U.S. Ambassador to Russia Jon Huntsman Jr. submitted his letter of resignation to President Trump and will be returning to Utah where he might be planning a run for governor.
The 59-year-old Huntsman notified Trump of the move Tuesday, with his resignation effective Oct. 3.
“American citizenship is a privilege and I believe the most basic responsibility in return is service to country,” Huntsman said. “To that end, I am honored by the trust you have placed in me as the United States ambassador to Russia during this historically difficult period in bilateral relations.”
Huntsman said that it is he and his wife’s desire is to “return to the United States after two years to reconnect with our growing family and responsibilities at home.”
He has served in the role since assuming office in October 2017. If runs for governor and wins it would not be his first time serving as Utah’s leader. Huntsman, who is a moderate Republican, was Utah’s governor from 2005 to 2009.
Following his time as governor, Huntsman was appointed by President Barack Obama to serve as the U.S. ambassador to China, a role he maintained from 2009 until 2011. Huntsman left the post to run for the Republican nomination for president but ended his campaign in January 2012 and endorsed the eventual nominee, Mitt Romney.
