Donald Trump, the president-elect of the United States, has announced two major diplomatic appointments ahead of his inauguration. In a statement shared on his Truth Social account, Trump revealed that Lou Rinaldi has been named the next US ambassador to Uruguay, while Leah Francis Campos has been selected to serve as chief of mission in the Dominican Republic.
“I am thrilled to announce Lou Rinaldi as the next United States Ambassador to Uruguay,” Trump wrote. “Lou, a successful entrepreneur and lifelong friend, brings a wealth of experience and a unique perspective to this important role.”
Trump highlighted Rinaldi’s connection to Uruguay, noting that he grew up in the country and has a deep appreciation for its culture and history. “Lou is also a fantastic golfer, and he will be in a nation known for its world-class golf courses,” Trump joked, adding that Rinaldi’s background makes him uniquely suited to strengthen the U.S.-Uruguay partnership .
Rinaldi’s personal ties to Uruguay align with Trump’s interests in the country. The Trump Organization owns a luxury apartment complex in Punta del Este, a popular resort town on Uruguay’s southern Atlantic coast. It is the only property in South America to bear Trump’s name.
Leah Francis Campos appointed head of mission in the Dominican Republic
In the same announcement, Trump introduced Leah Francis Campos as his choice to represent U.S. interests in the Dominican Republic. Campos, who has extensive experience in national security and foreign affairs, is also connected to Trump’s inner circle through family ties. She is the sister-in-law of Sean Duffy, Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Transportation and a former Republican congressman. Campos is also related to Rachel Campos-Duffy, co-host of “Fox & Friends Weekend” on Fox News.
Trump praised Campos for his previous service to the United States, highlighting his work as a CIA officer before moving to a legislative role as chief counsel for the Western Hemisphere on the House Foreign Affairs Committee.
“Leah’s love for our country and her dedication to national security and prosperity make her an exceptional choice for this position,” Trump wrote. “I am confident that he will represent the United States with integrity and excellence in the Dominican Republic.”
Both appointments reflect Trump’s approach to selecting ambassadors, often favoring individuals with both personal loyalty and professional experience. The appointments, however, await Senate confirmation before the ambassadors can officially assume their duties.
Strengthening ties in Latin America
These appointments signal Trump’s intent to prioritize strong diplomatic relations with key Latin American countries. Both Uruguay and the Dominican Republic have been important partners for the United States in areas such as trade, tourism, and regional security.
In Uruguay, Rinaldi’s appointment could signal an emphasis on economic diplomacy, given his business background and personal ties to the region. The South American nation is known for its stable economy and political neutrality, making it an attractive partner for US interests in the region.
Likewise, Campos’ appointment highlights the strategic importance of the Dominican Republic, which has close economic and cultural ties with the United States. The Caribbean nation is a major trading partner and a top destination for U.S. tourists. Campos’ experience in foreign policy and intelligence could prove instrumental in addressing shared challenges such as regional security and economic development.
Trump’s choices also reflect a personal style of diplomacy, combining professional qualifications with connections to his own network of friends, family and co-workers. As these nominees prepare for their roles, they will face the dual challenges of advancing U.S. interests abroad while simultaneously navigating the complexities of the Senate confirmation process.
While the appointments have drawn attention for their personal ties to Trump, both Rinaldi and Campos bring relevant expertise to their respective roles, indicating that the administration is looking to strengthen its diplomatic presence in Latin America.