Nikki Haley easily approved as U.S. Ambassador to the UN

Nikki Haley was sworn in as U.N. Ambassador by Vice President Pence.

ASAM NEWS

THE U.S. SENATE easily confirmed former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley for Ambassador to the United Nations.

NBC reports just four people opposed her nomination, including Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders.

She is the first women confirmed to President Donald Trump's cabinet, although Elaine Chao’s nomination for Transportation Secretary passed out of committee.

Some criticized Haley for her lack of international experience, but others pointed to her dealings with Russia and Israel.

“Russia is trying to show their muscle right now. It’s what they do,” she said. “I don’t think we can trust them. We have to continue to be very strong back, and show them what this new administration is going to be.”

The overwhelming vote for her confirmation won over Democrats including U.S. Sen. Ben Cardin, D-Maryland, a ranking member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations. He praised Haley before Tuesday's vote for her passion, her ability to represent the United States and her ability to challenge world leaders -- and even the current administration -- on human rights issues and other concerns.

Cardin said it was a “comfortable vote for him,” and that Haley represents the "American story," as the daughter of (Indian) immigrants and because of what she overcame to become a government leader. 

Haley was among the first selections by then President-elect Trump even though she opposed his candidacy during last year's campaign. She endorsed Sen. Marco Rubio while criticizing Trump's positions on immigration and refugees. 

Republican Lt. Gov. Henry McMaster, 69, was sworn in Tuesday night as governor of South Carolina to finish off the two years remaining in Haley's term.

(Views From the Edge contributed to this report.)