Trump taps businessman George Glass to be Japan ambassador

Major donor beats out policy experts to handle relations with top ally

George Glass served as ambassador to Portugal during Donald Trump's first presidential term. A 2017 statement to a Senate committee said his eldest son was living in Japan. (Photo by AFP/Jiji)

KEN MORIYASU, Nikkei Asia diplomatic correspondent

December 17, 2024 09:41 JST

Updated on December 17, 2024 13:29 JST

WASHINGTON -- U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has picked George Glass, an Oregon real estate developer, fundraiser and former ambassador to Portugal, to be his top envoy to Japan.

"I am pleased to announce George Edward Glass as our next United States Ambassador to Japan," Trump announced on his social media platform, Truth Social.