Who is Tom Barrack? The likely next U.S. ambassador to Türkiye

Tom Barrack, a close associate of former U.S. President Donald Trump, has been nominated as the next U.S. ambassador to Ankara. His appointment, pending confirmation, may open a new page and mark a shift in diplomatic relations with the region, as he does not come from a traditional diplomatic background.

A Lebanese-American businessman based in Los Angeles, Barrack is known for his extensive dealings in the Middle East. Fluent in Arabic, he built strong connections with key figures in Gulf countries, including Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. His business interests have included real estate investments, tourism projects, and media acquisitions. While he previously explored investment opportunities in Türkiye, none of these ventures materialized.

Before making a name for himself in the corporate world, Barrack spent time in Saudi Arabia as an advisor for the Fluor Corporation, where he facilitated business deals in the energy sector, following his attendance at the University of Southern California. His ability to break deals in Middle Eastern markets, combined with his linguistic skills, allowed him to establish strong business ties with Gulf leaders. This early experience laid the foundation for his extensive network of connections across the region, which would later define his career as a global investor and political power broker.

Ambassadorial appointment

Typically, U.S. ambassadorial appointments fall into two categories: career diplomats from the State Department, i.e., the professional, or political appointees rewarded for their financial contributions to a political campaign. Barrack’s nomination, however, does not fit neatly into either category.

His long-standing friendship with Trump, which spans over 30 years, grants him direct access to the president, bypassing bureaucratic channels. This could prove advantageous for Türkiye, as it ensures that messages and diplomatic concerns can be relayed swiftly to Trump through Barrack and also since the leadership in Ankara likes diplomacy in that style.

The line of communication between Ankara and Washington is anticipated to be swift due to the Barrack-Trump personal friendship. Unlike the previous ambassador, Jeff Flake, whose appointment was largely ceremonial, Barrack’s selection signals a more deliberate and strategic move by Trump to maintain strong ties with Türkiye, backed by ‘strong man diplomacy’.

During Trump’s first presidency, Barrack played a crucial role in bridging relationships between the White House and Gulf nations. His involvement in diplomatic matters, despite lacking an official government position, has been significant. His knack for moving seamlessly between politics and business makes him a different kind of ambassador, one who leans more on personal connections than traditional diplomatic channels, in accordance with the region’s needs.

A wealthy power broker

Barrack has long been a key figure in business and political circles. In the early 2010s, he was regarded as the go-to person for investment opportunities in the Middle East. However, his business ties have not always worked in his favor. While he has been a major player in U.S.-Middle East relations, his dealings with the UAE and Saudi Arabia have been a source of controversy. Reports indicate that he advised Trump on policy matters that aligned closely with Emirati interests, such as the administration’s stance on the Qatar blockade and the UAE’s position in regional conflicts. His legal battles, including a brief stint in jail, have raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest.

His role in Trump’s inner circle is well documented. In 2016, he delivered the closing speech at the Republican National Convention, on a stage reserved for the kind of figures only high-ranking Republican representatives could put forward. 

Moreover, his involvement in high-profile business deals includes acquiring Michael Jackson’s former estate and briefly serving as a key player in the purchase of Miramax Studios from Disney, alongside controversial Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein. At one point, Trump himself attempted to intervene in this business deal, emphasizing the deep level of interaction between the two. If appointed successfully, Türkiye would have to further approach the relations with America through a business mindset.

Policy implications of his likely confirmation

Despite past legal challenges, Barrack is expected to secure confirmation. While Democratic lawmakers will likely question his past lobbying activities, the political divide in Washington suggests that he will gain approval with Republican backing. The U.S. Senate, which has become increasingly partisan, is unlikely to block his nomination unless new allegations emerge.

One intriguing aspect of his nomination is his fluency in Arabic, sparking speculation about why Trump chose not to appoint Barrack to an Arabic-speaking country instead of Türkiye.

On the other hand, the absence of any public record of Barrack expressing a specific political stance on Türkiye lays the groundwork for a fresh start. While his past attempts to invest in the country suggest a certain level of familiarity, his policy outlook remains unclear.

For Turkish policymakers, the key question will be how committed Barrack is to this role and whether he will treat it as a full-time responsibility. Regardless, he is a figure with whom deals come easily, and he will find himself in an environment where cultural proximity will not be a challenge.

Broader impact on U.S.-Türkiye relations

The appointment of Barrack comes at a critical time for U.S.-Türkiye relations, which have seen fluctuations in recent years. Issues such as defense cooperation, sanctions, and regional conflicts have created tensions between the two NATO allies. The previous U.S. administration took a firm stance on matters such as Türkiye’s acquisition of Russian S-400 missile systems, leading to sanctions under the CAATSA framework.

Beyond security matters, economic cooperation would likely be another pillar of Barrack’s approach. Türkiye has expressed a strong interest in modernizing its trade agreements with the U.S. and strengthening investment ties, particularly in energy, defense, and infrastructure sectors​. His business acumen and transactional style may align well with Ankara’s economic priorities, potentially fostering deeper commercial ties at a time when Türkiye seeks to attract global financial flows amid ongoing economic challenges.

Recent geopolitical shifts, including Türkiye’s increasing influence in Syria and Iraq, present opportunities for Ankara and Washington to recalibrate their approach to regional security. Trump has long sought to disengage from protracted conflicts in the Middle East, and Türkiye’s expanding footprint in Syria could position it as a key partner in stabilizing the region​. If the businessman skillfully manages this relationship, he could play a critical role in bridging long-term policy divergences.