Trump ally Tom Barrack confirmed as US envoy to Türkiye

The U.S. Senate has confirmed 77-year-old Tom Barrack as Ambassador to Türkiye, approving his appointment with a 60–36 majority vote.

During confirmation hearings earlier this month, Barrack emphasised Türkiye’s critical role as a NATO ally, citing its geostrategic location and long-standing contributions to the Alliance, Caliber.Az reports, citing Turkish media.

During his Senate testimony, Barrack described Türkiye as a valued NATO partner situated at a strategic juncture between Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, highlighting its significant contribution to the development of the Alliance.

Tom Barrack was born and raised in California. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Southern California and later earned a law degree from the University of San Diego.

He is a descendant of Lebanese Christian immigrants who settled in the United States from the city of Zahle in 1900. Raised in Culver City, a suburb of Los Angeles, Barrack grew up in a working-class household—his father a grocer and his mother a secretary.

In his youth, Barrack was an avid sportsman, playing rugby, and later worked as a lawyer in Saudi Arabia. During the 1980s, he served as Deputy Undersecretary of the Interior in President Ronald Reagan’s administration. He was also a neighbour of Reagan’s at Rancho del Cielo in California.

By Aghakazim Guliyev