Oct, 10 2025
President-elect Donald J. Trump, President‑elect of the United States rolled out his first wave of ambassador nominations on December 16, 2024, via a series of Truth Social posts. The slate covers five very different posts – Uruguay, Japan, Luxembourg, Austria, and the Dominican Republic – and each name will have to survive a Senate hearing before taking up the role. Trump’s picks range from seasoned diplomats to business executives, reflecting his long‑standing “America First” hatchet‑job of rewarding allies and donors.
Who got the nod and why it matters
First up, Lou Rinaldi, a Uruguay‑born entrepreneur who made his fortune in real estate, was slated for the Montevideo post. Trump highlighted Rinaldi’s love of golf – “He’ll be in a country with some terrific courses” – but also his cultural fluency, noting that growing up in Uruguay gave him “an intimate understanding of the country’s culture and history.”
Next, the Japan nomination went to George Edward Glass, a former ambassador to Portugal during Trump’s first term and a veteran of the investment banking world. Glass, an Oregon University alum, was praised for his “business acumen” and his promise to “always PUT AMERICA FIRST.”
In the Caribbean, Trump tapped Leah Francis Campos, sister of Fox‑News personality Rachel Campos‑Duffy and sister‑in‑law to incoming Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy. Campos’ résumé lists a stint as a CIA case officer and senior advisory work on the House Foreign Affairs Committee’s Western Hemisphere portfolio – credentials Trump framed as “a love of country and commitment to national security.”
For the Alpine post in Vienna, the pick was Arthur Graham Fisher, President of Fisher Realty, a boutique real‑estate firm based in the North Carolina mountains. Fisher has long been a vocal supporter of Trump’s trade and immigration agenda, and the president said he’d “make us proud in Austria.”
Rounding out the list, Stacey Feinberg was named to Luxembourg, though the administration offered few details about her background beyond the usual political‑appointee chatter.
Historical context: political versus career ambassadors
Trump’s choice continues a pattern that began in his first term: roughly nine‑tenths of his diplomatic slate are political appointees. According to the American Foreign Service Association, as of October 9 2025, 60 of the 66 ambassadorial appointments for the second term are political, leaving just six career diplomats.
The practice isn’t new – presidents have long filled coveted posts with friends, donors, or allies. However, the ratio in Trump’s second term dwarfs the historical average of about 30‑40 % political appointees, raising eyebrows at the State Department and among Senate foreign‑relations staff.
Senate confirmation: the next hurdle
All five nominees will face the United States Senate’s Foreign Relations Committee. Historically, the committee’s hearings last between 60 and 90 days, but Trump’s team has a reputation for pushing an expedited schedule when the political stakes are high.
For Japan, the timing is especially critical. The island nation remains a cornerstone of U.S. Indo‑Pacific strategy, with joint exercises and missile‑defence cooperation intensifying as China’s naval posture grows more assertive. A smooth confirmation for Glass could ensure continuity; a drawn‑out battle might signal a pause in U.S. diplomatic momentum.
The Dominican Republic nomination carries weight of its own. The Caribbean nation is a key partner in regional migration talks, and a seasoned political operative like Campos could influence future policy on legal pathways and remittance flows.
Reactions from the diplomatic corps and political analysts
Career diplomats expressed a mix of curiosity and concern. “The nominee pool reflects the Administration’s priorities” said a senior State Department official who asked to remain unnamed. “But the lack of experience in traditional diplomatic training could complicate negotiations, especially in complex theatres like Japan.”
Political analysts noted that Rinaldi’s Uruguay background could be an asset for U.S. interest in South‑American trade diversification, especially as the U.S. looks to reduce reliance on China‑linked supply chains.
Meanwhile, conservative pundits cheered the picks as “true patriots” and “business‑savvy leaders who will get results,” a narrative that aligns with Trump’s long‑standing messaging to his base.
Broader implications for U.S. foreign policy
If confirmed, these ambassadors will help shape the next chapter of America’s “First” doctrine. In Europe, Austria and Luxembourg are both EU members; having politically aligned envoys could push for a tougher stance on immigration and trade barriers.
In Latin America, Uruguay’s progressive policies on renewable energy could dovetail with the administration’s push for clean‑energy partnerships, while the Dominican Republic’s role in Central‑American migration corridors remains a flashpoint for bilateral talks.
What to watch next
The Senate is slated to begin hearings within 30 days of the January 20, 2025 inauguration. Expect the first round of questioning to focus on each nominee’s qualifications, potential conflicts of interest, and how they plan to align their host country’s policies with the Administration’s agenda.
Watch for any shifts in the timeline – a quick confirmation could signal that the Administration’s diplomatic engine is revving up, while delays might indicate pushback from Senate Democrats wary of a heavily politicized diplomatic corps.
Background: Trump’s diplomatic appointment strategy
During his 2016‑2020 term, Trump appointed more than 150 political ambassadors, many of whom were major donors. Critics argued this undermined professional diplomacy, while supporters claimed fresh perspectives invigorated stagnant relationships.
Historically, presidents have used ambassadorial appointments as a reward system – Thomas Jefferson gave them to French allies, while Dwight D. Eisenhower appointed military leaders to key NATO posts. Trump’s approach is arguably the most overtly political in modern times, with an emphasis on loyalty over expertise.
Frequently Asked Questions
How will Lou Rinaldi’s Uruguay background affect U.S.–Uruguay relations?
Rinaldi’s fluency in local customs and business networks could deepen trade talks, especially in renewable‑energy sectors where Uruguay is a regional leader. His personal ties may also smooth cultural exchanges and bolster tourism promotion.
Why is the Japan appointment seen as especially strategic?
Japan anchors the U.S. security umbrella in the Pacific. With China’s maritime expansion, a seasoned ambassador like Glass, who already knows the U.S. diplomatic engine, can ensure continuity in joint exercises, technology sharing, and regional diplomatic coordination.
What are the chances the Senate will delay these nominations?
Historically, political appointees face tougher scrutiny, especially when the Senate is divided. If any nominee lacks clear diplomatic experience, senators may request additional hearings, potentially stretching the process to the 90‑day upper limit.
How does Leah Campos’s CIA background influence her prospective role in the Dominican Republic?
Her intelligence experience could give her an edge in handling migration‑related security issues and in coordinating counter‑narcotics initiatives, areas where the Dominican Republic is a key partner for the United States.
What does the heavy reliance on political appointees signal for future U.S. diplomacy?
It suggests a continued emphasis on loyalty and policy alignment over traditional diplomatic expertise. While this may speed policy implementation, it also risks alienating career Foreign Service officers and could affect the United States’ credibility in multilateral forums.
Pravalika Sweety
October 10, 2025 AT 23:49Trump’s latest ambassador slate showcases a blend of business leaders and political allies, which isn’t new but does raise questions about diplomatic expertise. While Lou Rinaldi’s Uruguayan roots could help build cultural bridges, his real‑estate background may limit his grasp of nuanced foreign policy. The Japan pick, George Glass, brings banking experience that might translate into economic coordination. Overall, the nominations reflect the administration’s “America First” ethos, and the Senate will likely scrutinize each candidate’s qualifications.
anjaly raveendran
October 13, 2025 AT 07:22The sheer audacity of naming a real‑estate mogul to Uruguay while the world watches trade wars unfold is nothing short of theatrical brilliance. One can feel the tremor of history repeating itself as political patronage eclipses merit‑based diplomacy. Trump’s narrative of “love of golf” for Rinaldi is a stark reminder that personal perks often masquerade as policy priorities. Moreover, the inclusion of a CIA‑linked figure for the Dominican Republic drips with intrigue, hinting at covert agendas beneath the surface. The Senate will have to cut through the melodrama to assess genuine competence. In short, this roster reads like a script for a political thriller.
Danwanti Khanna
October 15, 2025 AT 14:56Wow!!! Trump’s list is a real mix‑and‑match of donors, business guys, and… you know, a few seasoned diplomats, huh???
Is it not fascinating how each name carries a story that could either boost or bust U.S. ties???
From Uruguay’s renewable push to Japan’s security chessboard, the stakes are high!!!
Let’s hope the hearings dig deeper than just campaign contributions!!!
It’ll be interesting to see how each nominee navigates their new turf.
Shruti Thar
October 17, 2025 AT 22:29The pattern of political appointments is well documented and statistically higher than previous administrations. This raises concerns about the professional diplomatic corps being sidelined.
Nath FORGEAU
October 20, 2025 AT 06:02looks like another round of favours.
Hrishikesh Kesarkar
October 22, 2025 AT 13:36These picks feel rushed and lack depth. Senators will likely push back.
Manu Atelier
October 24, 2025 AT 21:09From a philosophical standpoint, the appointment of business executives to diplomatic posts reflects a utilitarian calculus that values immediate economic gains over long‑term relational capital. Yet, such a strategy may erode the epistemic foundations of diplomacy, where expertise and impartiality are paramount. The Senate’s role, therefore, becomes a bulwark against short‑sighted pragmatism. In practice, the success of these ambassadors will hinge on their ability to internalize diplomatic norms swiftly. Otherwise, the policy vacuum may widen.
Anu Deep
October 27, 2025 AT 04:42The inclusion of Rinaldi could open doors for deeper South American renewable collaborations, something many analysts have hinted at. Similarly, Glass’s banking background might streamline trade discussions with Japan, especially in tech sectors. It will be useful to track how these appointments affect bilateral projects over the next year. Keeping an eye on Senate feedback will also shed light on the administration’s diplomatic priorities.
Vaibhav Singh
October 29, 2025 AT 12:16Trump’s cronyism is on full display here, and it’s a disgrace to professional diplomacy. The Senate cannot let these unqualified appointees slip through. Voters deserve better representation abroad.