WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump on Monday announced two ambassadorship nominations for Senate confirmation, including Kimberly Greenwood, wife of country singer Lee Greenwood, to serve as U.S. ambassador to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, and Rep. Wesley Hunt (R-TX) to be ambassador to Saudi Arabia.
The nominations were submitted to the Senate, which must confirm both appointees before they can assume their roles. Kimberly Greenwood’s post covers Barbados and six Caribbean nations, including St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. She would serve concurrently in these roles without additional compensation. Hunt’s nomination fills the vacant ambassador post to Saudi Arabia, which has remained unfilled throughout Trump’s second term.
Kimberly Greenwood’s nomination follows her long-standing ties to Trump, including her work directing state pageants for the Miss Universe Organization during his ownership of the organization. Lee Greenwood, her husband, is known for his patriotic anthem “God Bless the USA,” which Trump has frequently used as his walk-on song at political events. The couple also collaborated on a $59.99 “God Bless the USA Bible.” In an Instagram post, Kimberly Greenwood thanked Trump for the opportunity, stating, “Mr. President, thank you for believing in me and entrusting me with this extraordinary opportunity to serve.” Lee Greenwood similarly praised his wife’s nomination in his own post.
Rep. Wesley Hunt’s nomination to Saudi Arabia reflects his prior diplomatic experience, having served as a liaison officer in the country. Hunt, a close Trump ally in Congress, ran unsuccessfully in the 2024 Texas GOP Senate primary but remains a prominent figure in the Republican Party. His nomination comes after the ambassador post to Saudi Arabia remained vacant for Trump’s entire second term.
Both nominations follow a long-standing tradition in U.S. politics where presidents appoint ambassadors based on political support, financial contributions, or personal relationships. Similar appointments have occurred under both Democratic and Republican administrations, including President Joe Biden’s selection of Democratic donor Roger Nyhus for the same Caribbean ambassadorship role. While most political appointees have limited impact on foreign policy, some have drawn criticism or created complications for the administration.
The Senate Foreign Relations Committee will review the nominations before they proceed to the full Senate for confirmation. If confirmed, Greenwood and Hunt would assume their respective diplomatic posts.