Donald Trump, the president-elect of the United States, has announced two key diplomatic appointments ahead of his inauguration. In a statement shared on his Truth Social account, Trump revealed that Lou Rinaldi has been nominated as the next U.S. ambassador to Uruguay, while Leah Francis Campos has been selected to serve as the chief of mission to the Dominican Republic.
“I am excited to announce Lou Rinaldi as the next United States ambassador to Uruguay,” Trump wrote. “Lou, a successful entrepreneur and lifelong friend, brings a wealth of experience and a unique perspective to this important role.”
Trump highlighted Rinaldi’s connection to Uruguay, noting that he grew up in the country and has a deep appreciation for its culture and history. “Lou is also a fantastic golfer, and he’ll be in a nation known for its world-class golf courses,” Trump joked, adding that Rinaldi’s background makes him particularly well-suited to strengthen the partnership between the United States and Uruguay.
Rinaldi’s personal ties to Uruguay align with Trump’s own interests in the country. The Trump Organization owns a luxury apartment complex in Punta del Este, a popular resort city on Uruguay’s South Atlantic coast. It’s the only property in South America to bear the Trump name.
Leah Francis Campos named chief of mission to the Dominican Republic
In the same announcement, Trump introduced Leah Francis Campos as his pick to represent U.S. interests in the Dominican Republic. Campos, who has an extensive background in national security and foreign affairs, is also connected to Trump’s inner circle through family ties. She is the sister-in-law of Sean Duffy, Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Transportation and a former Republican congressman. Campos is also related to Rachel Campos-Duffy, co-host of “Fox & Friends Weekend” on Fox News.
Trump praised Campos for her prior service to the United States, noting her work as a CIA case officer before transitioning to a legislative role as lead counsel for the Western Hemisphere on the House Foreign Affairs Committee.
“Leah’s love for our country and her dedication to national security and prosperity make her an exceptional choice for this position,” Trump wrote. “I am confident she will represent the United States with integrity and excellence in the Dominican Republic.”
Both appointments reflect Trump’s approach to selecting ambassadors, often favoring individuals with both personal loyalty and professional experience. The nominations, however, await Senate confirmation before the ambassadors can officially assume their roles.
Strengthening ties in Latin America
These nominations signify Trump’s intention to prioritize strong diplomatic relationships with key countries in Latin America. Both Uruguay and the Dominican Republic have been important partners for the United States in areas such as trade, tourism, and regional security.
In Uruguay, the appointment of Rinaldi could signal an emphasis on economic diplomacy, given his business background and personal ties to the region. The South American nation is known for its stable economy and political neutrality, making it an attractive partner for U.S. interests in the region.
Similarly, Campos’s nomination underscores the strategic importance of the Dominican Republic, which has close economic and cultural ties with the United States. The Caribbean nation is a significant trading partner and a major destination for U.S. tourists. Campos’s experience in foreign policy and intelligence could prove instrumental in addressing shared challenges such as regional security and economic development.
Trump’s choices also reflect a personal style of diplomacy, blending professional qualifications with connections to his own network of friends, family, and business associates. As these nominees prepare for their roles, they will face the dual challenge of advancing U.S. interests abroad while navigating the complexities of the Senate confirmation process.
While the appointments have drawn attention for their personal connections to Trump, both Rinaldi and Campos bring relevant expertise to their respective roles, indicating that the administration is seeking to bolster its diplomatic presence in Latin America.
