The more consequential internal White House debate over UN ambassador isnt over wholl replace Nikki Haley, but over whether it should remain a Cabinet-level position. Between the lines: National Security Adviser John Bolton, White House Chief of Staff John Kelly and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo all think the role should report to the Secretary of State, per sources familiar with their thinking. Presidents Bush 41 and 43 both demoted their UN ambassadors from Cabinet-level status, while Presidents Clinton and Obama elevated the role upon taking office.