James William Holtsnider[1] is an American politician, diplomat and former officer, who has served as United States ambassador to Jordan since 2025.[2][3] Holtsnider served as senior bureau official for the Bureau of Political-Military Affairs in 2025, and was previously chargé d'affaires to Samoa from 2024 to 2025.[4][5]
James Holtsnider | |
|---|---|
 Official portrait, 2025 | |
| 26th United States Ambassador to Jordan | |
| Assumed office December 7, 2025 | |
| President | Donald Trump |
| Preceded by | Yael Lempert |
| Chargé d'affaires to Samoa | |
| In office May 2, 2024 – January 3, 2025 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | James William Holtsnider |
| Education | University of Colorado Boulder (BA) Princeton University (MPP) |
| Military service | |
| Branch/service | U.S. Marine Corps |
Years of service | 1997–2004 |
In addition, he previously served as an operations officer in the Department's Operations Center, and as the deputy chief of mission of the United States Embassy in Kuwait City.[2][4]
Education and career
editIn July 1997, Holtsnider enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps due to him needing a break from school. He served for six years, including as a Marine security guard at U.S. Embassies in Zimbabwe and Turkey. He later earned a Bachelors degree from the University of Colorado Boulder and a Masters degree from Princeton University.[2][6] He served as an operations officer in the Department's operations center. He also served as Deputy Chief of Mission of the United States Embassy in Kuwait City.[2] He also served as the Ambassador to Samoa under the Biden Administration from May 2024 to January 2025.[5]
Holtsnider was nominated by U.S President Donald Trump as the Ambassador to Jordan. In October 2025, he went to Jordan to meet Secretary General of Jordan's Foreign Ministry Daifallah Alfayez. There, they discussed strengthening bilateral relations between the U.S and Jordan.[7][8] He presented his credentials to King Abdullah II of Jordan on December 7, 2025. In January 2026, he faced backlash after expressing outrage for the United States' support for Israel in the Gaza War.[9]
References
edit- ↑ "Jordan receives new US, Australian ambassadors". Roya News. Retrieved February 26, 2026.
- 1 2 3 4 "Holtsnider, James – Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan – July 2025". United States Department of State. Retrieved December 3, 2025.
- ↑ Jordan, U. S. Embassy (October 23, 2025). "Ambassador-Designate to Jordan Jim Holtsnider". U.S. Embassy in Jordan. Retrieved December 3, 2025.
- 1 2 House, The White (May 2, 2024). "President Biden Announces Key Nominees". The White House. Retrieved December 3, 2025.
- 1 2 "PN1696 - Nomination of James Holtsnider for Department of State, 118th Congress (2023-2024)". www.congress.gov. January 3, 2025. Retrieved December 3, 2025.
- ↑ "James Holtsnider". www.ndia.org. Retrieved December 3, 2025.
- ↑ National, The. "James Holtsnider presents credentials as US ambassador to Jordan". The National. Retrieved December 3, 2025.
- ↑ "New US ambassador to Jordan? White House sends James Holtsnider nomination to senate". Roya News. Retrieved December 3, 2025.
- ↑ "New US ambassador's charm offensive is backfiring in Jordan". Responsible Statecraft. Retrieved April 8, 2026.