WASHINGTON _ Nikki Haley, the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, resigned Tuesday, in a move that President Donald Trump said had been in the works for months, but which caught many White House officials by surprise.
Trump, making the announcement at the White House, told reporters that Haley had informed him about six months ago that at the end of a two-year period in the job, she'd want to take a break.
"She's done a fantastic job, and we've done a fantastic job together," Trump said, adding that he'd be happy to have her back in another position.
Haley moved quickly to squelch speculation about her political ambitions.
"No, I am not running in 2020," she said, adding she would campaign for Trump's re-election.
She said it was an honor of a lifetime to serve in Trump's administration.
The former South Carolina governor had served in the post since January 2017.
