Trump sends nomination for US Ambassador to Ankara to Senate, White House misuses country’s name
Tom Barrack, former Deputy Interior Undersecretary in the Reagan administration, delivers a speech on the fourth day of the Republican National Convention at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio, U.S. on July 21, 2016. (AFP Photo)
United States President Donald Trump has officially nominated Thomas Barrack, a 77-year-old real estate executive from Colorado, as the next U.S. Ambassador to Türkiye. Barrack’s nomination has been submitted to the Senate for confirmation, according to a White House statement.
Meanwhile, the White House neglected to use Türkiye’s official name, opting instead for “Turkey.” This mistake is notable given the country’s official name change. In 2021, Türkiye began advocating for the global adoption of the spelling and pronunciation “Türkiye” rather than “Turkey.” The United Nations officially recognized the name change in June 2022, following a request from the Turkish government.
Barrack, the founder and executive chairman of Colony Capital, a global real estate investment firm, has been a close advisor to Trump. He played a key role in the 2016 presidential campaign and chaired the 2017 inaugural committee.
Barrack faced legal challenges in 2021, when he was indicted on charges of acting as an unregistered foreign agent for the United Arab Emirates. However, he was fully acquitted in November 2022, clearing the way for his diplomatic appointment.
“For three decades, Tom successfully managed a global private equity firm,” Trump said in December 2024, when announcing the nomination. “He is a well-respected and experienced voice of reason to a wide range of thought leaders in both political and business circles.”
Challenges in Ankara
If confirmed by the Senate, Barrack will succeed Mike Goldman, who assumed the position of Charge d’Affaires in September 2024, following the end of Ambassador Jeffry L. Flake’s tenure in Türkiye.
Barrack would take on the role at a pivotal moment in U.S.-Türkiye relations, which have been strained by several significant disputes. These include U.S. support for the YPG in Syria, a group Ankara views as an extension of the PKK terrorist organization, and Türkiye’s acquisition of Russia’s S-400 missile defense system, which led to Türkiye’s removal from the F-35 program and U.S. sanctions against Ankara.
Dr. Oz’s sister nominated for Assistant Secretary of Transportation
In addition to Barrack’s nomination, Trump has also nominated Turkish-American Seval Oz, a California-based technology executive, to be Assistant Secretary of Transportation.
Oz, the sister of Dr. Mehmet Oz, has a background in autonomous vehicle technology and intelligent transportation systems. Her nomination is also pending Senate confirmation.
