Trump picks envoy to Canada Kelly Craft for UN ambassador

“Kelly has done an outstanding job representing our Nation and I have no doubt that, under her leadership, our Country will be represented at the highest level,” Trump said in a tweet announcing his decision on Friday.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo described Craft “extremely well-qualified” and an “outstanding advocate for America’s national security and economic interests in Canada.”

Craft, a top Republican donor from Kentucky, was picked after being recommended by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, a fellow Kentuckian.

A senior White House official said that Craft would not hold a Cabinet-level position like Haley, however, she would need to be confirmed by the US Senate.

Haley resigned as ambassador in October. The former South Carolina governor and rising Republican star was one of the first members of Trump’s cabinet, confirmed four days after his inauguration.

In December, Trump picked Heather Nauert, who was working as State Department spokesperson at the time, to replace Haley.
Nauert, however, withdrew from consideration for the post earlier this week.

Other people, including US Ambassador to Germany Richard Grenell and Republican John James, who lost a bid for a US Senate seat in Michigan last November, had been considered by Trump for the position.