Former fast-food CEO and Trump ally Andrew Puzder to serve as EU ambassador

Former fast-food chain CEO Andrew Puzder was confirmed by the Senate on Saturday as the US ambassador to the European Union (EU).

Puzder was confirmed by a vote of 53 to 44. Democratic Senators Maggie Hassan and Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire broke with their party, joining most Republicans in voting to support Puzder.

Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski, however, voted against Puzder.

The White House announced on X, “CONFIRMED: @AndyPuzder has been appointed as the Representative of the United States to the European Union.”

President Trump nominated Puzder as the EU ambassador in January, praising him for saving fast-food chains like Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s from “serious financial difficulties” and claiming Puzder would do an “excellent job” as ambassador.

The president’s selection of Puzder marks the second time Trump has appointed him to a high-level post in his administration. Puzder previously withdrew his nomination for Secretary of Labor during Trump’s first term following backlash from Republicans.

In 2017, Puzder withdrew his nomination for Secretary of Labor before his confirmation hearing. At the time, many Republican senators opposed him due to allegations that he had abused his ex-wife and employed an undocumented immigrant as a housekeeper.

Puzder denied the resurfaced allegations, and his ex-wife also retracted her claims.

He was previously reported to be a staunch opponent of the minimum wage and also opposed paid overtime for millions of workers. He also once emphasized his support for factory automation because machines are “always polite,” do not take vacations, and are never late.

Having provided financial support to Trump’s 2016 campaign, Puzder remained in the US President’s inner circle after his Labor Secretary nomination was withdrawn. During that time, he was also mentioned as a potential economic policy spokesperson for Trump.

Puzder’s nomination is also notable for his recent role at the Heritage Foundation. The foundation characterizes Puzder’s nomination as US Ambassador to the EU as a significant step in advancing the “America First” policy on the global stage.