US President Donald Trump has announced his intention to nominate Andrew Puzder, a former CEO of a fast-food chain, as the US Ambassador to the European Union. According to Trump’s social media post, Puzder is a “successful lawyer, businessman, commentator, and author” who has a track record of turning around struggling companies.
As the CEO of CKE Restaurants, the parent company of Hardee’s and Carl’s Jr, Puzder is credited with leading the company out of financial difficulties and into a stable and growing position, Trump claimed.
Puzder was previously nominated for Secretary of Labor during Trump’s first term, but withdrew his candidacy after concerns he might not receive sufficient Senate approval. As Ambassador, Puzder will also require Senate confirmation, with Trump’s Republican party holding a majority in the upper chamber.
Puzder is a frequent guest on Fox News, a network with close ties to the Trump administration, and has been a long-time supporter of the former president. As CEO of CKE Restaurants, Puzder had opposed regulations and a minimum wage, and has been critical of the EU’s trade surpluses with the US, threatening retaliatory tariffs. His potential mission as Ambassador could focus on economic and trade issues, given his past statements and expertise.