In his latest round of administration picks, President-elect Donald Trump has tapped Orlando attorney Dan Newlin as the Ambassador to Colombia.
Trump made the announcement via Truth Social on Wednesday night, highlighting Newlin’s experience with law enforcement and business record.
“I am pleased to announce our next Ambassador to Colombia will be Daniel J. Newlin. A highly accomplished business executive, entrepreneur, and former Sheriff’s Detective, Dan boasts an impressive 28-year career with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office in Orlando, Florida. Throughout his tenure, Newlin rapidly advanced working in major crimes as a fugitive detective. Dan demonstrated exceptional investigative skills, successfully taking hundreds of violent offenders off the streets, including those involved in armed robbery, gang violence, human trafficking, and illegal gun and narcotics trafficking.
In addition to his Law Enforcement career, Newlin is a business visionary who founded Dan Newlin Injury Attorneys.
With his Law Enforcement expertise enabling him to navigate complex international issues, and his business insights fostering economic partnerships, Newlin stands as a powerful advocate for U.S. interests, and a Champion for strengthening ties, and making a difference in the World. Dan will do a great job!”
Donald J. Trump on Truth Social
Newlin has been a vocal advocate for Trump in the past, hosting a fundraiser for the now-president-elect back in April.
“I’m so excited about the Republican Party coming a little bit more to the left and meeting people in the middle, the middle-class people the president has always supported,” Newlin said at the time. “So I’m going to do everything I can to help the president get elected in November.”
Newlin posted on Facebook on Thursday about the president-elect’s announcement.
Last night, I had the profound honor of receiving a personal call from President-elect Donald J. Trump. The gravity of this moment was not lost on me; speaking with the President of the United States is an extraordinary experience that few are privileged to have. During our conversation, he graciously nominated me to serve as the United States Ambassador to Colombia. I accepted this prestigious nomination with both immense pride and a deep sense of responsibility. For the last ten years i have worked as a senior advisor to my law firm while working remote. Building one of the best law firm’s in America. I am proud today to have 100 expert attorneys and 500 amazing staff. While serving as a United States Ambassador I will remain in my current role as a senior adviser to my firm ensuring that Dan Newlin Injury Attorneys remains the very best law firm in the Nation. Nothing will change there! Additionally, I look forward to continuing to serve our community as a public servant and our country in this new role. Thank you for your support!!
And back in July, Trump mentioned Newlin after taking the stage at the Republican National Convention, discussing fundraising efforts to help victims of the recent assassination attempt on Trump’s life during a campaign event in Pennsylvania.
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“A friend of mine just called up. He sent me a check. Right here. I just got it,” said Trump as he waved the check in the air. “One million dollars. From Dan Newlin. Thank you, Dan.”
Newlin’s donation is intended to help the family of Corey Comperatore, a former Pennsylvania fire chief who was fatally shot while attending the campaign rally. The $6.3 million raised so far would also be used to assist injured spectators David Dutch and James Copenhaver, Trump said.
“For me, it was one American giving back to another American,” Newlin told News 6 at the time. “It wasn’t Democrat, Republican, Independent. I had no idea the president even had the check with him. I took it up there because I made a commitment to help the family. I was overwhelmed.”
Aside from Newlin, other announced Trump picks on Wednesday included the following figures:
- Leandro Rizzuto — Ambassador to the Organization of American States
- Dr. Peter Lamelas — Ambassador to Argentina
- Michael J. Rigas — Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources
- Kari Lake — Director of the Voice of America
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