US President-elect Donald Trump announced on Monday that he has selected George Glass, a former diplomat and investment banker, to serve as his ambassador to Japan. The appointment comes as Trump prepares to assemble his foreign policy team ahead of taking office for his second term.
In a statement, Trump highlighted Glass’s extensive background in both diplomacy and business, emphasizing his previous role as the U.S. Ambassador to Portugal. “In my first term, George was the U.S. Ambassador to Portugal. As a former President of an Investment Bank, George will bring his business acumen to the Ambassador’s position,” Trump said.
George Glass, a businessman from Oregon, has a strong history of involvement in both international relations and the financial sector. He served as the U.S. Ambassador to Portugal from 2017 to 2021 during Trump’s first term in office. During his tenure, Glass was involved in strengthening the bilateral relationship between the U.S. and Portugal, focusing on trade, investment, and diplomatic cooperation.
Apart from his diplomatic career, Glass has had a significant role in the private sector. In 2015, he founded MGG Development LLC, a business based in Lake Oswego, Oregon. The company focuses on purchasing and operating apartment complexes and rental homes, according to the State Department. This entrepreneurial experience is expected to be a key asset as he transitions to his new role in Japan, a country known for its dynamic business environment.
Before his involvement in real estate development, Glass founded the Portland-based investment bank Pacific Crest Securities, where he served as president and vice-chair from 1990 to 2014. His long-standing career in finance and investment banking, combined with his diplomatic experience, makes him a unique choice for the role of ambassador to Japan.
As Trump’s pick for Japan, Glass is expected to bring a mix of diplomatic experience and business expertise to strengthen U.S.-Japan relations. The U.S. and Japan share a robust economic partnership, and Glass’s background in both business and diplomacy will likely play a pivotal role in maintaining and expanding these ties. His appointment is part of a broader effort by Trump to place individuals with significant private-sector experience in key diplomatic positions.
This selection marks a continuation of Trump’s approach to diplomacy, where business experience is seen as an asset in fostering international relations and trade.
