President Donald Trump has given outgoing United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley his blessing to pursue lucrative opportunities in the private sector, saying he hopes she will 'make a lot of money' before potentially returning to government service.
Speaking at the White House on Wednesday, Trump praised Haley as an 'extraordinary person' and a 'friend' to his administration, adding that she had made the UN role 'more glamorous' and 'more important.' He expressed hope that she would return to his administration in some capacity in the future.
Haley announced her resignation unexpectedly on Tuesday, stating she would leave her post at the end of the year. She denied any intention to run for president in 2020, affirming her support for Trump's re-election campaign.
Trump also confirmed that Dina Powell, a former deputy national security adviser and Goldman Sachs executive, is among those being considered as Haley's replacement, though he denied she is the front-runner. Powell accompanied Haley on a recent trip, fuelling speculation about her candidacy.
Haley, who previously served as governor of South Carolina, said she has no immediate plans for her next role but acknowledged the need for a break after eight years of intense public service.
