Trump chose Huntsman as ambassador to Russia: who is he?

Ex-Governor of Utah, former US ambassador to China and Singapore, John Huntsman accepted an offer from Donald Trump, reports "Voice of America".

American channel Fox News, citing its sources in the White House, reported that Donald Trump personally called Huntsman on the phone and offered him a job. The American publication Politico wrote that Jon Huntsman agreed to the US President's offer to represent US interests in Russia. CNN, citing its White House sources, reported that the choice of Huntsman for such an important position is due to the fact that he is a “brilliant guy”, “tough” and knows what Trump wants.

The position of US ambassador to the Russian Federation is one of the most sensitive and important, especially considering recent events: an investigation by the FBI and Congress about the Kremlin’s interference in the American elections, as well as contacts of representatives of the election headquarters of Donald Trump with Russian officials.

Diplomat, Governor, Presidential Candidate

John Huntsman was born 26 March 1960, in Palo Alto, California, and was the eldest of 9 children. His billionaire father owned America’s largest chemical corporation - Huntsman Corporation. Huntsman dropped out of school to play in a group Wizard. He served two years at the Mormon Mission in Taiwan and graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a bachelor's degree in international politics.

In 1983, Huntsman married school friend Mary Kay Cooper. The family brings up 7 children, where 2 girls are foster children from India and China.

Under President George W. Bush, Huntsman was the deputy assistant secretary in international trade. In June, 1992, he was appointed US ambassador to Singapore. He became the youngest American ambassador in 100 years.

In 2004, Huntsman and his family returned to Utah, where he became the 16 state governor. In 2008, he was re-elected with more than 78% of votes. Soon after giving up the post of governor of Utah, he became ambassador to China on 2009.

In 2011, Huntsman resigned and returned to the United States, after which he became a candidate for the presidency of the Republican Party. Rich foreign policy experience, moderate views on social issues and financial conservatism made him a competitor of the Democrats. Huntsman even ranked third for the primaries in New Hampshire, but later announced the completion of his campaign in favor of Mitt Romney.

Currently, John Huntsman heads an influential research and development center. The atlantic council, engaged in foreign policy, writes “Radio Liberty". He is also the general manager of the family corporation Huntsman Corporation - a major polystyrene producer.

In April last year, John Huntsman supported Donald Trump’s candidacy for the presidency, but in October, after disclosing Trudy’s vulgar comments on women, he changed his mind and even advised the Republican candidate to go the distance.

However, after the November elections, Huntsman showed loyalty to Trump, taking his side in a diplomatic incident that followed Donald Trump's telephone conversation with the President of Taiwan, during which the elected president questioned the American strategy towards China.

Huntsman and Russia

During his presidential campaign, Huntsman pointed out that the United States does not want to see the flaws of Strengthening, and the relations between the two countries should be viewed with “more objective eyes”.

In 2014, Huntsman met with President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko in the Atlantic Council and even presented him with an award Global Citizen Award with the wording “for activities for the benefit of a free and democratic Ukraine and contribution to the development of a free and peaceful Europe,” writes the TV channel “112 Ukraine«.

The Huntsman family had business ties with Russia immediately after the end of the Cold War, managing 6 enterprises, including factories producing pigments and polyurethanes, reports Salt Lake Tribune. The partnership ended after Russia attempted to impose retroactive taxes and fines on companies.

Kremlin response to a possible appointment

The Kremlin will welcome any US ambassador to Russia who is a supporter of “establishing dialogue” between Moscow and Washington. The press secretary of the Russian President Dmitry Peskov told reporters about this, the correspondent reports. RBC.

“We will welcome any head of the US Embassy in Moscow who is a strong supporter of the idea of ​​establishing dialogue between the two countries,” Peskov said. He noted that “there have been no official announcements on this matter yet,” but there are media reports that cite unnamed sources.

“Who will be the ambassador is an internal matter for colleagues from Washington,” Peskov said.

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