President-Elect Trump Unveils Ambassadorial Nominees, Emphasizing Business Acumen and "America First" Principles
President-elect Donald Trump announced his selections for U.S. ambassadors to five nations, including Japan, the Dominican Republic, Austria, Luxembourg, and Uruguay. These nominations, revealed via a series of Truth Social posts, highlight individuals with backgrounds in business, government service, and the arts, reflecting Trump’s emphasis on diverse expertise in his diplomatic appointments. Each nominee must undergo Senate confirmation before officially assuming their roles.
George Edward Glass, a former U.S. ambassador to Portugal and president of an investment bank, was nominated to represent the United States in Japan. Trump underscored Glass’s business acumen and anticipated his application of this experience to the ambassadorship, highlighting Glass’s commitment to prioritizing American interests. Glass’s prior diplomatic experience and ties to the University of Oregon, where he served as alumni president and board member, further contribute to his credentials.
Leah Francis Campos, sister of Fox News personality Rachel Campos-Duffy and sister-in-law to incoming Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, was tapped as the U.S. ambassador to the Dominican Republic. Trump emphasized Campos’s background as a CIA case officer and her subsequent role as a senior advisor on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, focusing on the Western Hemisphere. He expressed confidence that her national security experience and dedication to American prosperity would serve her well in this diplomatic post.
Arthur Graham Fisher, president of Fisher Realty and a prominent figure in North Carolina real estate, received the nomination for U.S. ambassador to Austria. Trump praised Fisher’s success in the real estate industry, noting his representation of high-profile clients and his firm support for "America First" policies. The president-elect expressed confidence in Fisher’s ability to represent the United States effectively in Austria.
Stacey Feinberg, a Broadway musical producer, motivational speaker, and board member of the Women Founders Network, was selected as the U.S. ambassador to Luxembourg. Trump lauded Feinberg’s commitment to empowering women in business, emphasizing her support for female entrepreneurs and her potential to foster success in their ventures. He expressed confidence in Feinberg’s ability to represent the United States effectively in Luxembourg and contribute to strengthening bilateral relations.
Lou Rinaldi, a successful businessman, entrepreneur, and longtime friend of Trump, was nominated to serve as the U.S. ambassador to Uruguay. Trump highlighted Rinaldi’s Uruguayan upbringing, emphasizing his intimate understanding of the country’s culture and history, along with his business expertise, as assets that would contribute to his effectiveness in the role. Trump also playfully mentioned Rinaldi’s golfing prowess, noting Uruguay’s excellent golf courses.
These nominations reflect President-elect Trump’s continued focus on assembling a team of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences. The emphasis on business acumen and a commitment to "America First" principles appears to be a central theme in his selection process. The nominees’ paths to confirmation and their ultimate impact on U.S. foreign policy remain to be seen as they navigate the Senate confirmation process and embark on their respective diplomatic missions. Their backgrounds suggest a potential focus on strengthening economic ties, promoting American interests, and engaging in diplomatic efforts aligned with the incoming administration’s priorities.
