Retiring Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn., has declined President Trump’s offer to become the next U.S. ambassador to Australia, saying the move “wasn’t the right step” after he leaves Congress following the 2018 midterm elections.
“I had a number of conversations with both President Trump and [Secretary of State Mike] Pompeo,” Corker told the Tennessean Monday after first being approached three weeks ago. “At the end of the day though … it just felt like it wasn’t the right step.”
“I am drawn to solving difficult challenges. If an opportunity were to arise at some point in the executive branch, or if there was some other opportunity to arise, I would certainly look at it,” he added.
Corker, who serves as the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, informed Trump and Pompeo of his decision last week.
Trump had announced in February his intention to nominate Navy Adm. Harry Harris, who leads U.S. Pacific Command, as the country’s envoy to Australia.
But reports in April suggested Pompeo preferred Harris for the diplomatic post in South Korea.
The White House has been criticized for its delay in nominating ambassadors to both nations, however; having a representative in Seoul has become more urgent given the possible summit between Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Singapore in June.
Fellow retiring Sens. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, and Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., were also floated as possible candidates for the ambassadorship in Australia, according to the Australian Financial Review.
Hatch’s office denied the reports Monday.
“Senator Hatch has not had any conversations about an ambassadorship but looks forward to a well-deserved retirement filled with early-bird specials at all-you-can-eat buffets and long walks through Costco,” Matt Whitlock, Hatch’s deputy chief of staff, said.
