WASHINGTON: In the latest shake-up for President Donald Trump’s turbulent administration, UN Ambassador Nikki Haley abruptly announced she is resigning at the end of the year, raising questions about who will fill the key national security post and about the outspoken diplomat’s own political ambitions.

Trump later told reporters he was considering five candidates for Haley’s job, and that a successor would be named in two to three weeks — or maybe sooner.

Among those under consideration, Trump said, is former deputy national security adviser Dina Powell. The Goldman Sachs executive and former Bush administration official is a close ally of Trump’s daughter Ivanka Trump and son-in-law, Jared Kushner — both senior White House aides.

The news of Haley’s departure blindsided some key US allies and many congressional Republicans involved in foreign policy matters. And it came less than a month before congressional elections, thwarting White House efforts to project an image of stability, with the loss of one of the highest-profile women in the administration at a time when women’s votes are being vigorously pursued.

US Ambassador to Germany Richard Grenell’s name has also been floated for the post, but Trump suggested he’d rather keep him in his current post “because he’s doing such a good job.”

Haley, who is 46 and not personally wealthy, hinted in her resignation letter to Trump that she is headed to the private sector. She has one child in college and another approaching college age, and she has the potential to make much more money in the business world.

“I have given everything I’ve got these last eight years,” she said, referring to her six years as governor as well as her time at the UN. “And I do think it’s good to rotate in other people who can put that same energy and power into it.”

Along with Powell, other names being floated to replace Haley include US Ambassador to Russia Jon Hunstman and Acting Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs Heather Nauert, Fox News reported.

Trump had also suggested the name of his daughter Ivanka, but later said he would be accused of nepotism if he selected her.