The nomination process Juan Rodriguez as the United States ambassador in Guatemala came to an end this June 30, after the diplomat withdrew his candidacy, he confirmed to Free press a source in Washington.
Rodríguez had been nominated on March 9 by the president donald trump to occupy the diplomatic representation in Guatemala.
As part of the procedure, his designation had to be evaluated by the Foreign Relations Committee of the United States Senate, the body in charge of holding a hearing, issuing a recommendation and, subsequently, submitting the nomination to a vote of the plenary session.
On April 28, Rodríguez appeared before that committee to present his work plan. Although his confirmation was not voted on in that session, the hearing represented a key step in the process.
If he had obtained the support of the Senate, the diplomat would have presented his credentials to the president Bernardo Arevaloa requirement to officially assume the position of ambassador in Guatemala.
However, on June 30, he decided to withdraw his application, so the US embassy in the country continues without a designated ambassador.
Trump must appoint a new ambassador to Guatemala
When consulted by this means, a spokesperson for the United States Department of State confirmed that Juan Rodriguez He withdrew his nomination to occupy the position of ambassador to Guatemala. Additionally, he noted that President Donald Trump is now expected to nominate a new candidate in the coming weeks.
“Mr. Rodríguez withdrew his nomination to serve as United States Ambassador to Guatemala. We hope that President Trump will nominate a new candidate in the near future.”
This is how the US diplomatic representation has changed since January
The change in the US diplomatic representation was announced at the beginning of the year.
On January 7, President Bernardo Arévalo reported during The Round that the then ambassador Tobin Bradleywho had held the position since February 2024, had personally informed him of his transfer to a new diplomatic mission.
Later, on January 16, Bradley posted a farewell message on his social media.
#EmbBradley: As the time of my departure for a new assignment approaches, I want to stop and reflect on this special time I had with you. I say goodbye deeply grateful for the trust you gave me and for allowing me to be part of your story.… pic.twitter.com/58BQtBk5Ql
— US Embassy Guatemala (@usembassyguate) January 16, 2026
Since then, the embassy has been led by Chargé d’Affaires. The first was John Barrettwho took office on January 22 and was subsequently transferred to Venezuela in April.
Since April 16, Jorge Andrews He works as chargé d’affaires in Guatemala, according to official information from the United States Embassy.
