Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin

(107,837 posts)
Mon Sep 14, 2020, 01:35 PM Sep 2020

Terry Branstad, Trump's Ambassador to China, is Stepping Down

Source: New York Times

The American ambassador to China, Terry Branstad, announced on Monday that he would step down in early October after a tenure that paralleled a sharp deterioration in relations between China and the United States.

Mr. Branstad, who twice served as governor of Iowa and was a crucial early supporter of Donald J. Trump’s presidential candidacy in 2016, arrived in Beijing in the summer of 2017 with high hopes of using a personal connection to China’s leader, Xi Jinping, to build stronger ties.

Instead, he found himself on the front lines of President Trump’s trade war and, by this year, a downward spiral of tensions that, to many, has heralded a new era of Cold War-like confrontation between the world’s two largest economies.

Mr. Branstad, who is 73, did not say why he was departing now, only months before the presidential election, but it is not unusual for political appointees to serve only a single term.

Read more: https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/terry-branstad-trumps-ambassador-to-china-is-stepping-down/ar-BB190pJi?li=BBnb7Kz

4 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Terry Branstad, Trump's Ambassador to China, is Stepping Down (Original Post) Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin Sep 2020 OP
Well, obviously he didn't accomplish anything, other than draw a paycheck...I don't recall a word Frustratedlady Sep 2020 #1
re: "not unusual for political appointees to serve only a single term." thesquanderer Sep 2020 #2
Would not surprise me if he sales all his assets in the US and announces that he is retiring cstanleytech Sep 2020 #3
Gov. of South Dakota dipshit Noem possible replacement? suegeo Sep 2020 #4

Frustratedlady

(16,254 posts)
1. Well, obviously he didn't accomplish anything, other than draw a paycheck...I don't recall a word
Mon Sep 14, 2020, 01:40 PM
Sep 2020

being published about anything. He's managed to build his retirement package, at least.

I'd suggest we send Kim Reynolds to take his place. Save Iowa.

thesquanderer

(11,982 posts)
2. re: "not unusual for political appointees to serve only a single term."
Mon Sep 14, 2020, 01:55 PM
Sep 2020

True, but the decision to serve just one term usually comes after election day. If the president doesn't get a second term, it's moot. He didn't want to wait around even that long. It seems odd to resign from a position that is likely to disappear shortly anyway. He wanted to get out NOW.

cstanleytech

(26,273 posts)
3. Would not surprise me if he sales all his assets in the US and announces that he is retiring
Mon Sep 14, 2020, 02:14 PM
Sep 2020

to another country.

Latest Discussions»Latest Breaking News»Terry Branstad, Trump's A...