US President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that he has appointed Andrew Puzder, a former head of the Hardee’s and Carl’s Jr. fast-food chains, as the United States Ambassador to the European Union.
"Andy is a lawyer, businessman, economic commentator, and bestselling author," the American president stated on his Truth Social platform.
In 2000, Puzder was appointed CEO of CKE Restaurants, the parent company of the international Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s chains.
During his 17-year tenure, Andy navigated the company out of severe financial difficulties, ensuring its survival, he added. Donald Trump is known for his difficult relations with the European Union.
"The EU is very bad for us. They treat us very poorly. They don’t take our cars or agricultural products. In fact, they take very little," Trump said on Tuesday, adding, "so they are good for tariffs."
During his presidential campaign, the Republican had already criticised the US trade deficit with the EU, likening the bloc to "a little China" that "takes advantage" of the world’s leading economic power.
In 2017, at the beginning of Trump’s first term, Andrew Puzder had been appointed Secretary of Labour. However, he was forced to withdraw before taking office due to several controversies.
He admitted to employing an undocumented housekeeper for several years. His ex-wife had also accused him of domestic violence, although she later retracted her statements.
During his career as a lawyer in Missouri, Andrew Puzder was a prominent figure in the anti-abortion movement. His appointment will need confirmation by the US Senate.
