Trump jokes about replacing Ambassador Haley, takes it back

WASHINGTON (AP) —President Donald Trump's undiplomatic comment about Nikki Haley, his ambassador to the U.N., at a lunch with U.N. diplomats sparked some awkwardness.

Trump was kicking off Monday's lunch with ambassadors of countries on the U.N. Security Council when he asked the room if they liked Haley, the U.S. ambassador to the U.N. Trump said that if they didn't, "she could easily be replaced."

The comment sparked some awkwardness, but seemed to be taken in jest. Haley and others gathered around the lengthy table laughed.

Trump quickly assured Haley her job was safe. "I promise, we don't do that," Trump said, and praised Haley for doing a "fantastic job."

Haley has been one of the Trump administration's most vocal members, taking a tough line on Russia and Syria and telling North Korea not to give the U.S. "a reason" to fight.