believe it, right? >> there were more tea leaves when the president appeared to set a high bar, saying haylee made the job more glamorous. >> we have a number of people that would very much like to do it. it's a great position. and nikki realizes it. she's -- i think she's helped make it a much better position, if you want to know the truth. i think it's become maybe a more glamorous position than it was two years ago. >> reporter: the glowing praise is a far cry from the jabs they were exchanging during the campaign when mr. trump tweeted, the people of south carolina are embarrassed by nikki haley, and she responded, bless your heart. >> do you believe nikki haley when she says she doesn't want to run for president in 2020? you guys used to clash with one another. >> i didn't know her. she supported somebody in the primary. it turned out very well for me. she respected him. and after that, we got along, as you would say, very well. >> reporter: there are also questions about the timing of haylee's departure, as her letter of resignation was dated last week when she wrote, as a businessman, i expect you will appreciate my sense that