Trump formally nominates Kenneth Weinstein as ambassador to Japan

President Trump has formally nominated Kenneth Weinstein to serve as the U.S. ambassador to Japan, the White House announced Friday evening. 

Weinstein is the president and CEO of the conservative think tank Hudson Institute in Washington, D.C., and serves on the Advisory Committee on Trade Policy and Negotiations, which advises the U.S. Trade Representative. 

During his time leading the Hudson Institute, Weinstein launched the think tank’s Japan Chair and appointed H.R. McMaster, Trump’s former national security adviser, to head the initiative.

Should he be confirmed by the Senate, Weinstein will replace Bill Hagerty as ambassador. Hagerty resigned from his post last year so he can run for the open Tennessee Senate seat this year to replace Sen. Lamar Alexander (R). 

The relationship between Washington and Tokyo has been thrust into the spotlight under Trump’s tenure after the president railed against Japan earlier in his administration over what he said were unfair trade deals. However, Trump has touted a close relationship with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.