Ivanka Trump squelches rumors she'll replace Nikki Haley as U.N. ambassador

Elise Solé

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.

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.

Ivanka Trump shot down social media rumors that she would replace Nikki Haley as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. (Photo: Getty Images)
Ivanka Trump shot down social media rumors that she would replace Nikki Haley as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. (Photo: Getty Images)

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.”

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.”

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