Donald Trump names Nikki Haley, former critic and first non-white female member of his cabinet, as US ambassador to UN
South Carolina Governor accepts president-elect's offer, saying it was her 'duty' to take on the role
DONALD Trump has named his former critic Nikki Haley the new US ambassador to the United Nations under his presidency.
The announcement makes the South Carolina Governor the first woman tapped for a top-level post under the new White House administration.
Haley – born to immigrant parents from India – is also the first non-white member in the new cabinet.
The 44-year-old has accepted the offer, Trump announced in a statement today.
"Governor Haley has a proven track record of bringing people together regardless of background or party affiliation to move critical policies forward for the betterment of her state and our country," Trump said in the release.
";She is also a proven dealmaker, and we look to be making plenty of deals.
"She will be a great leader representing us on the world stage."
While Haley has limited foreign policy experience, Trump said he was impressed with her knowledge of global affairs.
Trump spokesman Jason Miller also said the pair had “a natural chemistry”.
Haley said she accepted the assignment partly out of "a sense of duty."
"When the president believes you have a major contribution to make to the welfare of our nation, and to our nation's standing in the world, that is a calling that is important to heed," she said in a statement.
The appointment is seen as a surprising one, as Haley was an outspoken critic of Trump during his election campaign.
Bad blood between the pair was evident in interviews and on social media.
“The people of South Carolina are embarrassed by Nikki Haley!” Trump wrote on Twitter in March.
And Haley denounced several of Trump's campaign comments and urged voters to "reject the siren call of the angriest voices".
But the pair now appear to have put all that behind them after having a “very nice” conversation last week at Trump Tower.
Haley also said last week that she was heartened by Trump's tone and inclusiveness after winning the election.
She said: "I hope he continues to do that, and I hope he continues to be disciplined in his comments."
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