Former U.S. President Donald Trump has selected businessman Bill White to serve as the new U.S. ambassador to Belgium. The announcement was made Saturday via Trump's social media
platform, Truth Social. White will succeed Michael M. Adler, who has held the position since 2022.
"Bill is a highly respected businessman, philanthropist, author, and advocate for our nation’s military, veterans, and first responders," Trump wrote on Truth Social. He highlighted White’s contributions, noting his efforts in raising over $1.5 billion for fallen heroes and severely injured service members.
A controversial past
White is the CEO of the consulting firm Constellations Group and the former chairman of the Intrepid Sea-Air-Space Museum in New York. His tenure at the museum ended in 2010 amid a pension scandal investigated by then-New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo.
According to Politico, White allegedly acted as an intermediary for an investment firm seeking deals with a state pension fund, receiving undisclosed fees in the process. Cuomo accused White of exploiting his access for personal financial gain. White ultimately settled the case by agreeing to pay $1 million.
Political ties and shifting allegiances
White, a longtime philanthropist and political donor, was a significant contributor to Trump’s presidential campaign. However, his political affiliations have not always aligned with the Republican Party. He previously supported Democratic candidates Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton.
In 2012, White, who is openly gay, publicly withdrew support for Republican Mitt Romney due to Romney’s opposition to gay marriage. At the time, White stated that Romney was "on the wrong side of history."
Trump's choice of White reflects his tendency to reward loyalty among his supporters, even those with complex political and personal histories. White’s appointment now awaits confirmation, setting the stage for his diplomatic tenure in Brussels. Photo by Karmakolle, Wikimedia commons.