In announcing the nomination, White House officials lauded Emanuel’s many years of public service, including serving as former President Bill Clinton’s assistant for political affairs and senior adviser for policy and strategy.
Rumors had long swirled about Emanuel’s nomination for the post, with White House press secretary Jen Psaki addressing the matter back in May.
Calling Japan an “important partner in the region, [an] important partner in addressing stability and security in the region,” Psaki said the individual serving as the U.S. ambassador to Japan would be “someone who would play an integral role.”
In an Aug. 20 statement, Emanuel said he’s honored by the nomination.
“The alliance between the United States and Japan is the cornerstone of peace and prosperity in a free and open Indo-Pacific, and I would proudly represent our nation with one of our most critical global allies in one of the most critical geopolitical regions,” Emanuel said in the statement.
While the former Chicago mayor could face a difficult confirmation battle in the Senate, several key Democrats offered on Aug. 20 their backing for his nomination.
Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) echoed that sentiment.
There hasn’t been a Senate-confirmed U.S. ambassador to Japan since William Hagerty left the post in July 2019, with Raymond Greene, former deputy director of the American Institute in Taiwan, currently serving in an interim capacity.