Trump names former Sen. David Perdue of Georgia to be ambassador to China

David Perdue wearing a red tie speaking at a podium.
Former Sen. David Perdue speaks during a gubernatorial Republican primary debate on May 1, 2022, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson, Pool, File)

This story was updated on Dec. 6, 2024, at 8:36 a.m.

President-elect Donald Trump said Thursday he has selected former Sen. David Perdue of Georgia to serve as his ambassador to China, leaning on a former business executive turned politician to serve as the administration’s envoy to America’s most potent economic and military adversary.

Trump said in a social media post that Perdue “brings valuable expertise to help build our relationship with China.”