Gov. Branstad accepts Chinese ambassador nomination

     Last week it was announced that President-elect Donald Trump nominated Iowa Governor Terry Branstad as Trump’s ambassador to China.

     In an official statement issued by Branstad, he said: “I love Iowa and my country. For 22 years, I have been honored and privileged to serve the people of Iowa as their governor. My family and I will always be grateful to Iowans for trusting me to lead and putting their faith in me to serve.”

     Branstad said he accepts Trump’s nomination, which has to pass Congress before it becomes official.

     If approved, Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds would assume duties as the first female governor of the State of Iowa.

     “After long discussion with my family,” Branstad went on, “I am honored and humbled to be nominated to serve as the U.S. Ambassador to China. I also accept President-elect Trump’s charge to prioritize collaborative policies that will ‘Make America Great Again.’” This is an extraordinary opportunity. I believe that the respect and admiration built over a decades-old friendship between President Xi and I give me an opportunity to help the President-elect and serve Iowa, the United States and the world for the better.”

     Branstad has been able to form a friendship with Chinese President Xi Jinping that has lasted 30 years.

     “We have developed a respect and admiration for each other, our people and our cultures,” said Branstad. He said the United States-Chinese relationship is at a critical point right now.

     “Ensuring the countries with the two largest economies and two largest militaries in the world maintain a collaborative and cooperative relationship is needed more now than ever.”

     Following Trump’s announcement, Iowa’s legislators in Washington, D.C. offered their statements.

     “President-elect Trump has made an excellent choice in nominating Gov. Terry Branstad as the U.S. Ambassador to China; his experience with China speaks for itself and he will excel in this new role,” stated Sen. Joni Ernst. “Having worked alongside the Governor for many years, I know he will exemplify the same leadership, thoughtfulness, and dedication in his role as Ambassador to China on behalf of the U.S. as he did for the people of Iowa.

     “Additionally, I am thrilled to congratulate Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds who will become the first woman to serve our state as governor. The Lieutenant Governor is a tireless advocate for Iowa and travels around our great state to ensure she is hearing directly from those who know best: Iowans. Iowa has been, and will continue to be, in good hands under her leadership.”

     Sen. Chuck Grassley offered similar sentiments about Branstad: “Gov. Branstad is a friend and colleague and someone I know very well. As the long-time Governor of Iowa, he understands the global nature of the state and national economies. Gov. Branstad understands China, having been there on numerous trade missions and having a friendship with President Xi Jinping. He’s the longest-serving governor in our nation’s history. Iowans have chosen him for his successful track record as the chief executive, his trustworthiness and his reputation as a straight shooter. Those attributes would serve the U.S. very well if he were confirmed for this position.”