CBS Broadcast on the 14th (Local Time)
Former Portuguese Ambassador Glass from the Business Sector
Donald Trump, the President-elect of the United States, is reportedly considering nominating George Glass, former ambassador to Portugal, as the ambassador to Japan, CBS reported on the 14th (local time).
Glass, a former business executive, has long supported Trump.
He founded an investment bank specializing in the technology sector in Portland in 1990 and entered the real estate development business after 2014. After supporting Trump during the 2016 presidential election, he was appointed ambassador to Portugal in 2017.
During his nearly four years as ambassador to Portugal, Glass focused on economic sectors such as energy and agriculture and was consistently recognized for countering China's advances. He opposed the participation of Chinese telecommunications and mobile phone manufacturer Huawei in the 5G (fifth-generation mobile communication) business and warned that if Portugal entrusted major port construction to Chinese companies, it would halt exports of U.S. natural gas. Glass's remarks sparked backlash within Portugal at the time.
There is no confirmed connection between Glass, a business executive, and Japan.
Meanwhile, Trump appointed Bill Hagerty, a business executive and supporter, as ambassador to Japan in 2017. Hagerty, founder of the private equity firm 'Hagerty Peterson,' served as the treasurer of the Tennessee branch of the political fundraising organization 'Trump Victory Committee' during the 2016 presidential election. He resigned from the ambassador position in 2019 to run for the U.S. Senate.
The first ambassador to South Korea under the Trump administration was Harry Harris, former commander of the Pacific Command (PACOM).
Trump did not nominate an ambassador to South Korea for 16 months after taking office in January 2017.
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