Ivanka Trump squelches rumors she'll replace Nikki Haley as U.N. ambassador
Ivanka Trump is crushing rumors that she’ll fill Nikki Haley’s shoes after the U.N. ambassador’s shocking resignation.
Hours after President Trump announced Haley’s resignation Tuesday, saying that she’ll leave her post at the end of this year, the first daughter tweeted a message firmly denying rumors that she might take over the U.N. position.
It is an honor to serve in the White House alongside so many great colleagues and I know that the President will nominate a formidable replacement for Ambassador Haley. That replacement will not be me.
— Ivanka Trump (@IvankaTrump) October 9, 2018
During a press conference with Haley, Trump said, “I wanted to do this because Nikki Haley, ambassador to the United Nations, has been very special to me. She’s done an incredible job; she’s a fantastic person, very importantly, but she is also somebody who gets it.” Trump also said that Haley gave him a six-month notice of her future plans to “take a little time off” and “take a break.”
However, a source told CNN that the former governor of South Carolina shocked White House staffers with her departure notice. The source suggested that the timing is curious, citing the upcoming midterm elections that will determine which party will dominate in the House of Representatives and the Senate and the fact that the news came on the heels of controversial sexual assault allegations against Brett Kavanaugh.
On Twitter, people discussed whether Ivanka Trump, who serves as a White House senior adviser, would replace Haley, prompted in part by comments from the president himself. “I’ve heard a lot of names. I’ve heard Ivanka,” the president told CNN. “There’s nothing to do with nepotism, but I want to tell you, the people that know, know that Ivanka would be dynamite.”
That is so laughable. Not unlike Ivanka replacing Haley. What position will Barron hold?
— SammyG (@Quips4Kicks) October 9, 2018
@realDonaldTrump. For you to stand there with a straight face, and tell the world that Ivanka is likely the most qualified person to succeed Nikki Haley is absurd and tells us all we need to know about your stupidity and your disdain for our government and the world…
— Bob Carlisle (@bcarlisle718) October 9, 2018
Prediction: Lindsay Graham is going to replace Ivanka, Jared will run for Senate in South Carolina, and Nikki Haley is press secretary now.
— Approximately Jane (@sgtjanedoe) October 9, 2018
No, I’m sure without nepotism a failed clothing designer would totally be considered for an empty Ambassador to the UN position in other administrations. Makes perfect sense.
— Steve (@steveogeezo) October 9, 2018
Sure. Her experience as a shoe designer definitely makes her uniquely qualified for the position of ambassador to the United Nations.
— Lauren N. (@LRocki7) October 9, 2018
The validity and future of Ivanka’s White House role have been questioned since she joined her father’s administration in 2016. Initially, her presence at private meetings between the president and foreign diplomats caused confusion and in some cases outrage, particularly because of concerns about nepotism and because her role has appeared so vague. However, when she warmed her father’s chair at the 2017 G20 Summit, some accused the first daughter of plotting a future presidency herself.
In June 2017, Ivanka told Fox and Friends, “I try to stay out of politics.” However, she has since embraced tax reform and women’s issues as her political platforms.
Haley would probably endorse Ivanka for U.N. ambassador. During the press conference, Haley said, “I can’t say enough good things about Jared and Ivanka [Trump]. Jared is such a hidden genius that no one understands.”
Haley also called Ivanka a “great friend,” saying of the couple: “They do a lot of things behind the scenes that I wish more people knew about. We’re a better country because they’re in this administration.”
Read more from Yahoo Lifestyle:
Mika Brzezinski responds to allegations that she ‘bullied’ Kellyanne Conway about sexual assault
Chelsea Clinton tweets ‘Please leave Judge Kavanaugh’s daughters alone’ after controversial cartoon
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