NEW YORK – US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley said onWednesday that her relationship with President Donald Trump was “perfect”and that he did not need to be worried about Haley and Vice President MikePence running against him in 2020.
Her comments come amid unusual public friction between Haley, a formerSouth Carolina governor who is known for her blunt diplomacy at the UnitedNations, and the White House.
Haley, a member of Trump’s cabinet, said on Sunday that Washington waspreparing new sanctions on Russia over its support of Syrian PresidentBashar al-Assad. However, Trump delayed further action, a senioradministration official said.
White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow said Haley might have beenconfused about Washington’s plans, but Haley fired back on Tuesday: “Withall due respect, I don’t get confused.” Kudlow said he had apologized toHaley.
When asked on Wednesday about her relationship with Trump, Haley said:“It’s perfect.”
While former US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson shied away from thespotlight, Haley has carved out a high-profile role for herself in theTrump administration while at the same time ensuring that she publiclypraises the president.
Her direct approach at the United Nations initially raised eyebrows amongdiplomats, but many acknowledge her political skills and speculate that shehas ambitions for higher office.
*The New York Times* reported on Tuesday that Republicans close to theWhite House whisper about a possible joint campaign by Haley and Pence in2020.
Trump, who is known to place a high premium on loyalty, has alreadydeclared he will run again in 2020.
When asked on Wednesday if Trump should be worried about a Pence/Haleycampaign, Haley smiled, shook her head and said: “No.”
Pence’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Adding to the friction was Pence’s brief appointment of Haley’s senior aideJon Lerner as his top adviser on foreign policy issues. Lerner withdrew onSunday after a behind-the-scenes White House argument hit the headlines. Hewill continue working for Haley.
A senior administration official said that Haley had not been “freelancing”when she spoke about new Russian sanctions on Sunday. “The president justwanted to slow down the process after she spoke,” the official said.
Russian UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia said he had not spoken with Haleyabout her remarks on sanctions. When asked if he believe Haley or the WhiteHouse, Nebenzia said: “I believe in God. Let them sort it out themselves.It’s not our game.” – Agencies