Trump names five new ambassadors, including Japan and Uruguay

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.