Nikki Haley’s resignation: Getting out just in time?

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Nikki Haley, the US ambassador to the United Nations, announced she would leave her post at the end of the year. Haley claimed her exit was simply about her needing a break after serving nearly two years in the UN role and, before that position, six years as South Carolina's governor.

Her replacement is unclear, although US President Donald Trump said he would likely select a new ambassador in the next two or three weeks.

According to analysts, Haley had little to gain politically by staying in the job. She leaves with a respected reputation, on her own terms, and in good standing with the president – a rare feat.

Brandon Blackburn-Dwyer, president of Grasshopper Strategies, believes it's a “perfect time” for Haley and one of the few graceful exits from the Trump administration.

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"Some people have complained that maybe she should have waited till after the mid-term elections, but she's not in a position that really would have affected the mid-terms," Blackburn-Dwyer explained.

"She gets out before anything negative can happen in the mid-terms. She gets out before she has to battle for longer on any other political issues. She's done everything conceivable she could have done positive with this role in terms of her profile, and this gives her at least a few years back in the private sector before considering her return," he added.

With speculation mounting as to what she would do next, Haley was quick to shoot down the idea that she'll take on Trump in the 2020 presidential election.

Advisors have already said that Haley is not interested in a Senate seat and is more likely to take Board seats or secure other more lucrative positions until after the 2020 election.

Andy Mok, managing director of Red Pagoda Resources, believes Haley "has a bright future."

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"Whether or not she challenges Trump, she is a political strategist, a dream candidate for president, especially in the Republican Party," said Mok. "As the ambassador to the UN, her job is to represent the US and the administration. She did that very effectively and was able to disagree without being disagreeable, which not everyone in the Trump administration has managed."

Concerning the impact Haley's leaving will have on the UN, Mok commented, "I think the future of the UN will depend a lot more on what happens in the White House versus what the UN ambassador – whether it's her or her successor – has to say or do."

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