Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Trump set to appoint State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert as UN ambassador after Haley resignation

Ms Nauert is a former Fox News correspondent with no previous policy experience

Steve Holland
Washington DC
Friday 07 December 2018 02:24 GMT
Comments
State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert speaks in the press briefing room
State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert speaks in the press briefing room (Getty)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Donald Trump has decided to name State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert as the ambassador to the United Nations, a source familiar with his decision said on Thursday.

President Trump is expected send a tweet on Friday morning about choosing Ms Nauert to replace outgoing UN Ambassador Nikki Haley, who announced her resignation in October.

A representative of the State Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Ms Haley has held the post since the beginning of Mr Trump's administration and said she would stay in the job through the end of the year.

At the time, Ms Haley described her time in the position as a "blessing," but offered no reason for leaving except a belief that government officials must know "when it’s time to step aside."

In her resignation letter, she also dismissed the possibility of running in the 2020 election.

Nauert, whose nomination would require Senate confirmation, is a former Fox News Channel correspondent and anchor.

The does not have prior political or policy-making experience, but has worked for two secretaries of state - Rex Tillerson, the current incumbent Mike Pompeo.

Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events

Ms Nauert became the State Department spokeswoman in April 2017 and, earlier this year, was named the acting undersecretary for public diplomacy and public affairs.

ABC News reported in November that Ms Nauert had been offered the job, but it was not clear at the time whether she had accepted.

Reuters

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in