Politics

Trump To Nominate A New Ambassador To Saudi Arabia

The White House announced in a press release that Trump will nominate John Abizaid for the position.

Trump To Nominate A New Ambassador To Saudi Arabia
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President Donald Trump will nominate retired Army Gen. John Abizaid to become the new U.S. ambassador to Saudi Arabia.

The White House announced the decision in a press release Tuesday, along with a list of Abizaid's accomplishments.

Abizaid was head of U.S. Central Command from 2003 until 2007 — the longest anyone has served in the position. He's well known for his time overseeing the Iraq War. And he's received several military awards, including the Bronze Star.

The U.S. hasn't had an ambassador to Saudi Arabia since January 2017.

Things have been tense between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia since the death of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. 

He was killed inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul Oct. 2, but it took weeks for Saudi Arabian officials to admit any involvement. His body still hasn't been found. 

Abizaid will need to be confirmed by the Senate before it becomes official.