Mattis, McMaster, Haley Endorse Sullivan as Trump’s Russia Envoy

(Bloomberg) -- Several former Trump administration officials, including ex-Defense Secretary James Mattis, ex-National Security Adviser H.R. McMaster and ex-UN Ambassador Nikki Haley, signed a letter endorsing the president’s nominee to be the U.S. ambassador to Russia, Deputy Secretary of State John Sullivan.

“We believe he is the right person at the right time for what is always a very critical post, but perhaps never more critical as now,” the officials wrote. “We are confident John will deliver the tough messages to hold Russia accountable, while cautiously yet effectively navigating any opportunities for constructive cooperation.”

Other signatories include former Deputy National Security Adviser Nadia Schadlow, former Acting Deputy Secretary of State Tom Shannon and former State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert.

Sullivan’s Senate confirmation hearing is on Wednesday. He may face questions about President Donald Trump’s alleged efforts to pressure the president of Ukraine to investigate political rivals in exchange for U.S. military aid and a White House meeting, the subject of a House impeachment inquiry.

Sullivan was confirmed on a 94-6 vote in May 2017 as deputy secretary of state. He was acting secretary after Trump fired Rex Tillerson.

To contact the reporter on this story: Jennifer Jacobs in Washington at jjacobs68@bloomberg.net

To contact the editors responsible for this story: Alex Wayne at awayne3@bloomberg.net, Justin Blum

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