WASHINGTON—Today, United States Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and former U.S. Ambassador to Japan, introduced Andy Puzder, President Donald Trump’s nominee to be U.S. Ambassador to the European Union, and Jacob Helberg, President Trump’s nominee to be Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment.
Remarks as prepared for delivery:
Chairman Risch and Ranking Member Shaheen, thank you for holding today’s hearing.
It is my honor to introduce two of my good friends this morning:
Mr. Andy Puzder—President Trump’s nominee to be U.S. Ambassador to the European Union; and,
Mr. Jacob Helberg—President Trump’s nominee to be Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment.
Let me first speak to Andy’s qualifications.
Andy is a patriot whose highly accomplished career in business, law, and public policy makes him an excellent candidate for this ambassadorial role.
Andy is widely recognized for his leadership as the former CEO of CKE Restaurants, the parent company of Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s.
During his tenure, he led the company through a significant turnaround, growing CKE’s role as a major player in the global fast-food industry.
Under Andy’s leadership, CKE expanded to over 3,800 restaurants across 45 states and 40 foreign countries, with more than 115,000 employees worldwide.
His experience navigating international markets and cross-border business challenges gives him a practical, hands-on understanding of global commerce—an asset of particular relevance to a diplomatic post in Brussels that is focused on transatlantic economic relations.
Yet his qualifications extend beyond the boardroom.
Andy is a seasoned attorney, a published author, and a deeply respected voice in national debates over public policy.
He has also been a vocal advocate for pro-growth economic policies, regulatory reform, and other efforts to strengthen American competitiveness in global markets—issues that are central to the ongoing relationship between the United States and the European Union.
As the nominee to be U.S. Ambassador to the EU, Andy brings with him not only decades of executive leadership, but also a clear understanding of how economic policy affects real people, businesses, and international relationships.
At a time when transatlantic cooperation faces both opportunities and challenges—from trade and technology to security—his experience and know-how will be critical to furthering ties between the United States and Europe in support of President Trump’s agenda.
Let me now turn to Jacob Helberg, a nominee whose vision, intellect, and tenacity make him uniquely qualified for the role of Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment.
His nomination comes at a pivotal moment.
From economic coercion to critical mineral choke points to energy issues and the weaponization of advanced technologies, the challenges posed by adversaries to our nation are urgent and complex.
To meet these challenges, we need fierce advocates for American competitiveness like Jacob at the State Department.
Over the years I have known Jacob, I have found that he is a true visionary, with a rare ability to take big, strategic ideas and turn them into meaningful action.
I remember when Jacob came by my office shortly after being nominated and I commented that his nomination was likely very unwelcome news in Beijing—and for good reason.
Jacob’s ideas and publications have helped reframe how policymakers view China’s predatory trade practices and the strategic dimensions of emerging technologies in AI, space, and robotics.
Jacob is a public servant, whose work as a commissioner on the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission has driven U.S. policy toward a safer and more prosperous future.
And Jacob is an internationally recognized leader, whose Hill and Valley Forum has become a preeminent venue for bringing Washington policymakers and Silicon Valley innovators together to address important economic and national security issues—the same issues that Jacob will tackle if confirmed as Under Secretary.
At a time when authoritarian regimes like China exploit economic tools and emerging technologies to undermine our national interests, Jacob’s nomination reflects the urgent need for strategic, tech-savvy leadership of U.S. foreign policy.
Jacob will bring to the role of Under Secretary not only a profound understanding of the global economy, but also a powerful grasp of the digital battlegrounds where this century’s great power competition is playing out.
I have no doubt that Jacob will serve with integrity, focus, and a determination to strengthen America’s hand on the world stage.
Mr. Chairman, thank you for the opportunity to introduce my friends Andy and Jacob this morning.
I would also like to extend my regards to Ben Black, nominated to lead the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation, whose expertise in investment and development will be instrumental in advancing our nation’s global economic interests.
We need these highly qualified leaders on the frontlines of American diplomacy, and I urge my colleagues to support their nominations.
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