Descendant of Lebanese Catholics Thomas Barrak confirmed as US Ambassador to Turkey

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The US Senate on Tuesday confirmed Thomas Joseph Barak as the new ambassador to Turkey, a critical appointment during a period of heightened diplomatic tensions between Washington and Ankara. The 78-year-old entrepreneur, nominated by former President Donald Trump in 2024, secured Senate approval with a 60-36 vote.

A native of California with ancestral ties to Lebanon, his Catholic family having emigrated from Zahle in 1900, Barrak is best known as the founder of Colony Capital, a prominent real estate investment firm. His close relationship with Trump, including his role as head of Trump’s inaugural committee during the 2016 presidential campaign, has made him a trusted figure within Republican circles.

During his confirmation hearing, Barrak highlighted the importance of strengthening US-Turkey relations. “Turkey occupies a unique crossroads between Europe, the Middle East, and Asia,” he stated, stressing the necessity of robust bilateral ties in a complex global environment.

Barrak replaces former Ambassador Jeff Flick at a time when Turkey’s role in regional security, energy transit, and counterterrorism has taken center stage in American foreign policy discussions. His appointment is seen by some analysts as an attempt to recalibrate US diplomacy in the region, blending business expertise with political alignment.