Andrew Puzder is Trump’s choice as ambassador to the European Union

Andrew F. Puzder, the former CEO of the company that owns the Hardee’s and Carl’s Jr. fast-food chains, has been picked by President Trump to become the next U.S. ambassador to the European Union.

Mr. Puzder, a frequent commentator on economic and business issues on networks like Fox Business, would not bring his foreign policy experience to a prestigious and influential diplomatic position: He represents the United States in a bloc of some of the wealthiest countries of Europe.

But Trump’s interactions with the European Union during his first term often focused on economic and trade issues. Mr Trump clashed with the bloc in 2018, impose tariffs for a short period of time on steel and aluminum gave rise to retaliatory measures of the European Union against billions in American goods. He threatened it again impose tariffs on European countriespaving the way for a new trade war.

There are a number of other transatlantic issues that Mr. Puzder, if confirmed by the Senate, would have a hand in: the Russian war in Ukraine, and European military aid to Ukraine; Mr. Trump’s goal is to win over European allies increasing their military spending; the rise of right-wing governments in Europe; and Mr. Trump’s rapid withdrawal from major international bodies, including the World Health Organization and the Paris climate treaty.

The situation could also be precarious. Mr Trump fired his first ambassador to the European Union, Gordon Sondlandafter testifying before Congress during Trump’s first impeachment inquiry. The research focused around accusations of a “quid pro quo” in an effort to have the Ukrainian government investigate the family of Joseph R. Biden Jr., then likely Trump’s 2020 election rival. Mr Trump was accused of linking this demand to an official meeting between him and Ukraine’s newly elected President Volodymyr Zelensky – as well as the continued flow of US military aid.

Mr. Sondland, who was involved in the effort to pressure Ukraine to announce investigations into Mr. Biden’s family, testified that “we were following the president’s orders” and that “everyone was aware.”

Mr. Trump had previously selected Mr. Puzder to be his secretary of labor at the start of his first term, but Mr. Puzder’s appointment fell apart under a bipartisan investigation into his business record and character. Democrats, labor unions and liberal groups criticized him for his comments against workplace protections the minimum wage and overtime rules, and conservative publications seized by Mr. Puzder employment of an undocumented immigrant as his housekeeper. Republican Senators eventually turned against Mr. Puzder amid an allegation of spousal abuse that resurfaced during the confirmation process. Mr. Puzder has denied the accusation, and his ex-wife, Lisa Fierstein, has withdrawn the allegation of physical abuse.

If confirmed, Mr. Puzder would take over the ambassadorship from Mark Gitenstein, a veteran ambassador and longtime aide to Mr. Biden who first worked for him as a lawyer more than four decades ago. Mr. Gitenstein resigned from his position on January 17.