WASHINGTON—The Senate on Wednesday, July 31, confirmed Kelly Craft, who is currently ambassador to Canada, as ambassador to the United Nations.
The Senate backed Craft by a vote of 56 to 34, largely along party lines, moving to end seven months without a permanent U.S. envoy to the world body.
56-34: Senate confirms Kelly Knight Craft to be 30th US Ambassador to the United Nations, succeeding Nikki Haley. Craft currently serves as US Ambassador to Canada.
5 Democrats voted Yes: Hassan Manchin Murphy Shaheen and Sinema. pic.twitter.com/9kHPpeh6T9
— Craig Caplan (@CraigCaplan) July 31, 2019
U.N. ambassador is one of several high-level positions in the Trump administration held for months by temporary appointees.
The Senate last week confirmed Army Secretary Mark Esper, a former lobbyist, as secretary of defense, ending a record 7-month period in which the Pentagon lacked a permanent top official.
This week, Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats announced his resignation.
Trump nominated Craft, 57, for the U.N. post after a recommendation from Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, who represents her home state of Kentucky.
Craft’s supporters called her a tough negotiator on a trade deal with Canada and Mexico who had established decent working relationships with both Republicans and Democrats.
Congratulations to Amb. Kelly Craft on her confirmation as U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. – she joins Transportation Secretary Chao and CIA Director Haspel as the third #Kentucky woman serving in Pres. @realDonaldTrump‘s cabinet! pic.twitter.com/Jl9DyluazZ
— Republican Party of Kentucky (@KYGOP) July 31, 2019
Trump’s first U.N. ambassador, former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, announced her resignation in October and left the position at the end of last year.
By Patricia Zengerle