Trump nominates former Kansas governor Jeffrey Colyer as US ambassador to UAE

President Donald Trump has chosen former Kansas governor Jeffrey Colyer to serve as the United States ambassador to the United Arab Emirates. The UAE has not had a U.S. ambassador since Martina Strong departed in August 2025. The Trump administration has been tardy in appointing envoys to crucial posts, especially in the Middle East, with Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, and Iraq still lacking confirmed ambassadors.

The White House forwarded Colyer's nomination to the Senate on Monday night. Senate confirmation is required for the position.

Senator Jerry Moran, a Republican from Kansas, praised Colyer's nomination, highlighting his record of public service, principled leadership, and dedication to enhancing the lives of Kansans and Americans. "I am confident he will represent our country well on the world stage," Moran stated on X. Colyer, 66, is a surgeon with a background in politics and international humanitarian work.

He succeeds Martina Strong, a career diplomat appointed by President Joe Biden. Trump has relied on Steve Witkoff, a longtime friend appointed as his special envoy for peace missions, and his son-in-law Jared Kushner, who plays a leading role in negotiations involving Iran, Israel, Gaza, and other regional matters. The selection of Colyer follows Trump's party's significant loss in the US midterm elections, resulting in the loss of its congressional majority.