“Nikki Haley, a rising Republican star, said on Tuesday she was stepping down as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, but knocked down speculation that she might challenge President Donald Trump at the next election.”

Reuters

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Many on both the left and the right are surprised and saddened, offering praise for Haley:

• “In a political world seemingly incapable of being shocked, the resignation of United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley on Tuesday did just that… In truth, we just don't totally know yet why Haley, who seemed to be one of the few Trump administration officials able to stay in the good graces of Trump, the international community and establishment Republicans all at once, would decide to simply (and suddenly) call it quits.” CNN

• “Nikki Haley was a stellar ambassador to the United Nations, and replacing her will not be easy… Haley saw that American interests are best served by partnerships. Building strong personal relationships with allied, neutral, and even adversarial ambassadors, she made the U.S. a dealmaker and broker at the international table. On North Korea, Haley was able to fortify international will around perhaps the most stringent sanctions regime ever enforced.” Washington Examiner

• “Since arriving in New York in January 2017, Haley has impressed other ambassadors as a tough-minded and politically savvy operator… her ambassadorship has been a diplomatic juggling act. Haley has tried to speak forcefully for the U.S. about Israel and Iran but also maintain decent working relations with other nations in the Security Council… The U.N., and U.S., may soon come to miss her.” Politico
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Many on both sides also think Haley’s return to politics is inevitable, given her political savvy and broad appeal:

• “By accepting the UN job and working for Trump, Haley shrewdly earned a little goodwill among Trumpers to balance the enthusiastic support she has among [traditional] conservatives.” Hot Air

• “Whatever one thinks of Haley’s job performance substantively, there’s no doubt that it was brilliant politically… An April 2018 poll from Quinnipiac, for example, found that Haley had a 75-9 approval rating among Republicans — and a 55-23 rating among Democrats. In these polarized times, the idea that one of Trump’s top allies could maintain such high favorables among both parties beggars belief, yet Haley managed to pull it off.” Vox

• Haley “accomplished all that she needed to by being U.N. Ambassador. First, she gained foreign policy credentials, which is usually the biggest obstacle that governors face when running for president. Second, she mended fences with the dominant Trump wing of the party, after having been harshly critical during 2016… the move sets her up nicely to run against Vice President Mike Pence in 2024.” Washington Examiner

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Other opinions below.

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