US President Donald Trump has nominated career diplomat Natalie A. Baker to become the next American ambassador to Pakistan. The nomination could end a nearly two-year gap in the appointment of a permanent US envoy to Islamabad.
The White House submitted Baker’s name to the US Senate on November 9 as part of its latest list of nominations. However, she must receive Senate confirmation before officially taking charge as ambassador.
Baker currently leads the US diplomatic mission in Pakistan as chargé d’affaires. She has held the position since January 2025, following the departure of former ambassador Donald Blome.
Natalie Baker’s Diplomatic Career And Experience
Baker joined the US Embassy in Islamabad as Deputy Chief of Mission in August 2024. Before that, she served in the same capacity at the US Embassy in Doha, Qatar.
Throughout her diplomatic career, Baker has held several important assignments across the Middle East and North Africa. These include serving as director of the Office of North African Affairs at the US Department of State.
Additionally, she worked as deputy chief and chargé d’affaires at the US Mission to Libya. Her previous assignments also include roles at the US Consulate in Dubai and the American Embassy in Kuwait.
Baker has also served as a consular officer in Islamabad, giving her earlier experience with Pakistan’s diplomatic environment.
Senate Approval Could End Ambassadorial Vacancy
Baker holds a bachelor’s degree from Princeton University and a master’s degree in public policy from Harvard University. She also graduated from the National War College at the US National Defense University.
If confirmed, Baker will become the first permanent US ambassador to Pakistan since Donald Blome left the position in early 2025. Blome had assumed office in May 2022 after receiving Senate approval.
Her confirmation would formally fill the ambassadorial vacancy while she continues her diplomatic responsibilities in Islamabad.
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