WASHINGTON 

The US Senate on Tuesday confirmed Tom Barrack as President Donald Trump’s ambassador to Türkiye, approving the nomination in a 60-36 vote.

Barrack, a longtime friend of Trump and prominent businessman, will assume the post in Ankara at a time of evolving ties between the two countries.

During his confirmation hearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee earlier this month, Barrack underscored Türkiye's strategic importance as a US ally.

“Sitting at the most strategic crossroads of Europe, Asia and the Middle East, Türkiye's NATO contributions are numerous,” he told lawmakers.

Barrack, 78, was born and raised in Southern California. He holds degrees from the University of Southern California and the University of San Diego School of Law.

Known for his close ties to Trump, he chaired his 2017 inaugural committee and was a key advisor to his 2016 campaign.

In 2022, Barrack was acquitted of charges that he operated as an unregistered foreign agent for the United Arab Emirates during the Trump administration and of providing false statements to the FBI.

He will succeed former Ambassador Jeff Flake, who served from January 2022 to September 2024. The position had remained vacant since Flake’s departure.