Renowned American businessman and close ally of former President Donald Trump, Tom Barrack, has been appointed as the new U.S. ambassador to Türkiye. The US Senate confirmed his nomination, assigning him to this key diplomatic position.
During the Senate vote, Barrack’s appointment was approved by a margin of 60 votes in favor to 36 against.
Barrack had previously been acquitted in 2022 of charges that alleged he acted as an unregistered agent for the United Arab Emirates during the Trump administration and gave false statements during investigations.
He replaces former ambassador Jeff Flake, who served in Türkiye from January 2022 to September 2024. The position had remained vacant for several months after Flake’s departure.
Barrack, 78, stated before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee that “Türkiye is located at a highly strategic intersection of Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, and its role as a NATO member cannot be overlooked.” He described Türkiye as a key partner in regional and global security structures.
His appointment comes at a time of significant shifts in US-Türkiye relations, encompassing issues such as defense, trade, and regional cooperation.
