"The selection and confirmation process for the next U.S. ambassador is underway," embassy spokesman Mark Naylor told ERR on Friday.
The United States has not had an ambassador to Estonia since the summer of 2018, when Ambassador James D. Melville Jr. resigned.
A spokesman for the embassy emphasized on Friday that despite the absence of an ambassador, US-Estonian relations are strong. "As we celebrate the 100th anniversary of diplomatic relations this summer, ties between the United States and Estonia are stronger than ever," Naylor said.
US president often names his political allies or generous donors as ambassadors. It is customary for politically elected ambassadors to resign when the president changes, and the new administration will have the opportunity to nominate its own candidate.
President Trump selected William Ellison Grayson, his supporter, as the next US ambassador to Estonia, and he was confirmed by the Senate in July 2020, but due to Covid restrictions and a change of presidency, he did not assume the post in Estonia.