Former President Donald Trump has nominated Andrew Puzder, ex-CEO of CKE Restaurants, as U.S. ambassador to the European Union. The announcement follows Trump's renewed pledge to impose tariffs on the EU, citing what he calls "unfair trade surpluses."
During a press briefing, Trump criticized the EU’s trade practices, labeling them “very bad to us,” and vowed to pursue tariffs to establish fairness. He has similarly threatened tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China.
Puzder, who led CKE Restaurants—parent company of Hardee's and Carl's Jr.—from 2000 to 2017, faced controversy during Trump’s first term when he was nominated for labor secretary. He withdrew his candidacy after admitting he had employed an undocumented housekeeper and amid legal disputes involving workers and franchise operations under his leadership.
Despite these past challenges, Trump expressed confidence in Puzder, stating, “Andy will do an excellent job representing our Nation’s interests in this important region.”
This appointment marks another chapter in Trump’s combative stance on global trade, with his administration signaling a hardline approach to addressing trade imbalances with the EU and other nations.