Washington, D.C. — Center for American Progress Vice President for National Security and International Policy Vikram Singh issued the following statement regarding President-elect Donald Trump’s decision to appoint South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley (R) as the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations:
The nomination of Gov. Nikki Haley marks a very important step toward a more inclusive and diverse Trump administration. But there remain a number of concerns about her suitability for the role of U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. Foremost is the fact that Gov. Haley has almost no foreign policy experience, having taken only a few trips abroad since becoming governor in 2011. Gov. Haley has also supported anti-voter laws in South Carolina and taken positions against refugee resettlement—policies that do not align with the democratic and humanitarian ideals of the United Nations.
In 2015, Gov. Haley requested that the U.S. Department of State not resettle Syrian refugees in South Carolina, grouping her among the conservatives voicing outlandish security concerns over the strict U.S. vetting process. Thankfully, Gov. Haley has also openly criticized President-elect Trump’s call for a ban on Muslims entering the country, a stance we strongly urge her to maintain. While Gov. Haley has not outright denied the existence of man-made climate change, her past actions on climate issues and her appointment to a team that includes climate deniers and advocates for the United States’ withdrawal from the landmark Paris Climate Agreement are very concerning.
If confirmed as the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, we urge Gov. Haley to maintain the United States’ commitment to international cooperation, including: engaging multilaterally to resolve pressing world issues; honoring U.S. pledges made in the Paris Agreement; and promoting human rights and rule of law at home and abroad. The United States must continue to be a strong leader, as well as an engaged partner, on the world stage.
For more information on this topic or to speak with an expert, contact Liz Bartolomeo at [email protected] or 202.481.8151.