Jon Huntsman resigns as US ambassador to Russia
SALT LAKE CITY (KUTV) - Jon Huntsman, the US ambassador to Russia, sent his resignation letter to President Donald Trump Tuesday, The Hill reported.
His term will end on Oct. 3.
In the letter obtained by The Hill, Huntsman says he was honored to serve as the ambassador to Russia during "this historically difficult period in bilateral relations."
“It is my hope that this will allow sufficient time for a successor to be nominated and confirmed,” he wrote. “I pledge my full effort in facilitating a smooth transition that ensures our foreign policy goals are kept in proper focus.”
"American citizenship is a privilege and I believe the most basic responsibility in return is service to the country," Huntsman added.
He also mentioned in the letter that his family wants to go back to Utah to "reconnect with our growing family and responsibilities."
According to UtahPolicy.com, this move shows Huntsman may be eyeing the governor's seat again.
Huntsman was previously the governor of Utah before accepting an ambassadorship. The 59-year-old was elected in 2004 and again in 2008. Huntsman left the position to become the U.S. ambassador to China under President Barack Obama, The Hill reported.
Under President Trump, Huntsman was appointed to the Russian ambassadorship. The former-Utah governor reportedly told the Trump administration that he would serve in the role for two years.
Despite calls for him to step down after Trump and Russian President Vladmir Putin met in 2018, Huntsman said he would continue to serve in the position.
