Trump Nominates Colyer as UAE Ambassador
Former Kansas Governor Jeffrey Colyer would fill a post that has been vacant since August 2025.
Updated on Nov. 10, 2026 in People
President Donald Trump has nominated former Kansas Governor Jeffrey Colyer to serve as US ambassador to the United Arab Emirates. The White House submitted the nomination to the Senate late on Monday, and the post requires Senate confirmation.
Why it matters
The UAE has been without a US ambassador since Martina Strong left in August 2025, and Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait and Iraq also lack confirmed US ambassadors. The nomination comes as Trump has relied on special envoys and Vice President JD Vance to lead diplomatic efforts related to the Iran war.
The nomination was submitted late on Monday, November 9, 2026, ending a vacancy that began in August 2025. Colyer is 66 years old, and Senate confirmation is required before he can take the post.
The players
Jeffrey Colyer
Former Kansas governor and Republican surgeon who has a background in politics and international humanitarian work.
Martina Strong
Career diplomat appointed under President Joe Biden who served as US ambassador to the UAE until August 2025.
Donald Trump
Current President of the United States who submitted the nomination and has relied on special envoys and Vice President JD Vance for Iran war diplomacy.
The details
Colyer, a Republican and former Kansas governor, is a surgeon with a background in politics and international humanitarian work. He would succeed career diplomat Martina Strong, who was appointed under President Joe Biden.
Timeline
August 2025: Martina Strong left her post as US ambassador to the UAE.
Late Monday, November 9, 2026: The White House submitted Colyer's nomination to the Senate.
Big Picture
The nomination must pass the Senate advice-and-consent process required for all ambassadorial posts. It arrives as Trump's party lost its majority in Congress in the midterm elections, which may affect confirmation prospects.
Until the Senate confirms Colyer, the UAE will continue without a US ambassador to represent American interests there. Confirmation timing will determine how quickly the post is filled.
The takeaway
Ambassador nominations require Senate confirmation, so a nomination marks only the first step toward filling a diplomatic post. The UAE and several other Middle East posts remain without confirmed US ambassadors.
Further reading
Explore more People coverage for context on key figures shaping business and government appointments.
