United Nations, January 28 (RHC)-- Issuing a strong message to allies and rivals abroad, the incoming ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, said on Friday that the Trump administration would project “strength” and hold accountable those who do not back the United States.

In her first remarks at UN headquarters in New York, Haley said; “Our goal with the administration is to show value at the U.N., and the way we’ll show value is to show our strength, show our voice, have the backs of our allies and make sure our allies have our back as well.”  And she added: “For those who don’t have our back, we’re taking names."

After making what many analysts said was a clear threat to the international community, she presented her diplomatic credentials to the secretary general, António Guterres.

President Trump himself has dismissed the United Nations as a social club and suggested the United States could cut its funding of the organization’s efforts.  His “America first” pledges have raised concerns among diplomats at the United Nations about his commitment to international cooperation.