Trump selects Kelly Craft for United Nations ambassador

President TrumpDonald Trump Trump criticizes Justice for restoring McCabe's benefits Biden: Those who defy Jan. 6 subpoenas should be prosecuted Hillicon Valley — Presented by LookingGlass — Hackers are making big money MORE announced Friday night that he has selected Kelly Craft, the current U.S. ambassador to Canada, to serve as his administration's top diplomat to the United Nations.

Trump shared news of the nomination on Twitter, writing that "Kelly has done an outstanding job representing our Nation and I have no doubt that, under her leadership, our Country will be represented at the highest level."

....Kelly has done an outstanding job representing our Nation and I have no doubt that, under her leadership, our Country will be represented at the highest level. Congratulations to Kelly and her entire family!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 22, 2019

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell

Addison (Mitch) Mitchell McConnell Biden signs bill to raise debt ceiling On The Money — Progressives play hard ball on Biden budget plan Schumer, McConnell headed for another collision over voting rights MORE (R-Ky.) had recommended Craft for the position, a spokesperson for the GOP leader told The Hill this week.

Craft, who also hails from Kentucky, is a major GOP donor in the state along with her husband, billionaire coal CEO Joe Craft.

McConnell hailed news of her nomination on Friday night, saying he was "proud" to recommend her and calling her "an exceptional choice for this critical post."

"Kelly Craft is a strong advocate for American interests and will be a powerful representative of our great nation at the U.N. She has a long record of service to her state and the nation and I’m confident she will continue to serve with distinction as America’s voice to the world at the United Nations," McConnell said in a statement.

Trump's nomination of Craft for the position comes after State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert took herself out of consideration for the top U.N. post last weekend, citing family issues.

If confirmed by the Senate, Craft would become the second ambassador to the U.N. during the Trump administration, following Nikki Haley

Nikki Haley US rejoins UN Human Rights Council, reversing Trump exit Smarkets betting site makes Trump favorite in 2024 Nikki Haley gets lifetime post on Clemson Board of Trustees MORE, who resigned last year.

Trump nominated Nauert to succeed Haley in December.

Craft has served as ambassador to Canada since October 2017. She was previously appointed as an alternate delegate to the U.N. General Assembly in 2007 under former President George W. Bush.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo