Trump jokes about replacing Haley, takes it back

There was a bit of awkwardness at President Donald Trump’s lunch with UN diplomats when he made an undiplomatic comment about Nikki Haley, his ambassador to the UN

Trump was kicking off Monday’s lunch with ambassadors of countries on the UN Security Council when he asked the room if they liked Haley, the US ambassador to the UN

Trump said that if they didn’t, “she could easily be replaced.”

US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley speaks at a United Nations Security Council meeting on the situation in the Middle East, at the UN headquarters in New York City, April 12, 2017. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images/AFP)
US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley speaks at a United Nations Security Council meeting on the situation in the Middle East, at the UN headquarters in New York City, April 12, 2017. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images/AFP)

The comment sparked some awkwardness, but seemed to be taken in jest. Haley and others gathered around the lengthy table laughed.

Trump quickly assured Haley her job was safe. “I promise, we don’t do that,” Trump said, and praised Haley for doing a “fantastic job.”

Haley has been one of the Trump administration’s most vocal members, taking a tough line on Russia and Syria and telling North Korea not to give the US “a reason” to fight.

AP

Most Popular
If you’d like to comment, join
The Times of Israel Community.
Join The Times of Israel Community
Commenting is available for paying members of The Times of Israel Community only. Please join our Community to comment and enjoy other Community benefits.
Please use the following structure: example@domain.com
Confirm Mail
Thank you! Now check your email
You are now a member of The Times of Israel Community! We sent you an email with a login link to . Once you're set up, you can start enjoying Community benefits and commenting.