Donald Trump will nominate Jon Huntsman as his ambassador to Russia
DONALD Trump will nominate Jon Huntsman as his ambassador to Russia, amid continued allegations that Moscow meddled in the 2016 US Presidential election.
Donald Trump to appoint Jon Huntsman as Russia ambassador
Mr Huntsman has served under five presidential administrations and was candidate for the 2012 Republican nomination.
When rumours of the appointment were previously reported, one Russian politician said he was “not a dove” and the Kremlin said it would welcome anyone who was a “convinced proponent” of establishing a dialogue with Russia.
The office of the White House press secretary wrote in their announcement: “Governor Jon Huntsman has had a distinguished career as a politician, diplomat, and businessman.
Donald Trump will nominate Jon Huntsman as ambassador to Russia
“His robust record of public service includes service as US Ambassador to China and to Singapore, Deputy United States Trade Representative, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Commerce for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, and Deputy Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Trade Development.”
The statement also touted Mr Huntsman's career in the private sector serving on the corporate board for Hilton, Chevron and Ford Motor Company, among others.
The role would need confirmation by the Senate.
Trump and Putin shake hands after two-hour meeting at G20
It follows reports that Mr Trump held a previously undisclosed meeting with Vladimir Putin at the G20 summit.
Witness Ian Bremmer, the president of political risk consultancy Eurasia Group, said Mr Trump got up from his seat halfway through dinner and spent about an hour talking “privately and animatedly” with Putin, “joined only by Putin's own translator”.
The lack of a US translator raised eyebrows among other leaders at the dinner, said Mr Bremmer, who called it a “breach of national security protocol”.
The two leaders had a widely publicised meeting at the G20 summit
Vladimir Putin and Melania Trump were seated next to one another at a G20 dinner
It follows growing accusations levelled at President Trump and his election claim over their alleged ties to Russia.
Ongoing special counsel and congressional investigations are currently looking into possible collusion between President Trump and Russia.