Administration

Trump taps ex-State spokeswoman Heather Nauert to help oversee White House fellowships

President Trump on Tuesday night announced his intention to appoint Heather Nauert, the former spokeswoman for the State Department, to serve on the panel that helps oversee the White House’s prestigious fellowships.

{mosads}Trump had initially intended Nauert, who served as spokeswoman under former Secretary of State Rex Tillerson as well as current Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, to replace Nikki Haley as the U.S.’s top envoy to the United Nations.

The intention to nominate Nauert, a former host of “Fox & Friends,” drew criticism from Democrats who said she didn’t have enough experience for the post. 

Nauert subsequently withdrew herself from consideration in February amid questions that she had employed a nanny who did not have the proper visa to work in the U.S. Nauert reportedly disclosed the nanny matter to officials at the start of the vetting process.

Trump instead nominated Kelly Knight Craft, his ambassador to Canada, for the position. Her nomination was sent to the Senate for confirmation last week.

The White House selects numerous young Americans each year to serve as fellows. Members of the commission interview and help select the fellowship winners. 

Updated at 8:46 a.m.