Former Representative Michelle Steel is reportedly being considered for the role of U.S. Ambassador to South Korea, drawing significant attention.
On December 29, the cable news outlet Newsmax reported that Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R) had suggested to President-elect Donald Trump that Steel be appointed to the position. The report also noted that former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (CA) and former Representative Newt Gingrich (GA), both prominent figures within the Republican Party, are believed to support the idea, lending further credibility to the claim.
The proposal is reportedly based on Steel’s close relationship with President-elect Trump, her experience as a member of Congress, and her deep understanding of Korean and Japanese cultures.
The outlet emphasized that appointing Steel could be particularly effective given the current critical situation in South Korea, which is grappling with an impeachment crisis, as well as growing concerns over North Korea’s activities. There is reportedly a growing consensus within the Republican Party that Steel’s appointment would be well-suited to convey the U.S. government’s perspective to South Korea during this crucial time.
Steel’s extensive political experience, which includes being born in Korea, educated in Japan, serving as a California State Board of Equalization member, an Orange County Supervisor, and becoming the first Korean-American woman elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, is cited as one of her key strengths.
A Korean Republican official, who requested anonymity, welcomed the news, saying, “If her relationship with the White House backs her experience in Congress, she could play a pivotal role in connecting South Korea and the United States.”
Steel has maintained a close relationship with President-elect Trump since the 2016 election and received his official endorsement in the recent election. After narrowly losing her reelection bid, Steel’s term as a U.S. Representative ends on January 2.
Meanwhile, the Trump transition team is expected to announce nominees for ambassador positions to key countries soon.
BY BRIAN CHOI [ichoi@koreadaily.com]
