President Trump nominates Allison Hooker, a former White House official involved in North Korea diplomacy, as under Secretary of State for political affairs. Hooker has significant experience in Asian affairs and previously worked on U.S.-North Korea summit preparations. Additionally, Thomas DiNanno is nominated as under Secretary of State for arms control and international security, emphasizing commitments to deterrence with allies like South Korea.
U.S. President Donald Trump has officially nominated Allison Hooker as under Secretary of State for political affairs, as communicated to Congress. Hooker, who played a significant role in North Korea diplomacy during Trump’s first term, served as the senior director for Asian affairs at the National Security Council. Her nomination aligns with Trump’s expressed willingness to reengage with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and pursue complete denuclearization.
Throughout her tenure in the first administration, Hooker was instrumental in organizing key summit meetings with Kim Jong-un, including those in Singapore, Hanoi, and Panmunjom. Her extensive experience also includes a prior role as a senior analyst for North Korea from 2001 to 2014 in the State Department’s Bureau of Intelligence and Research, as well as being a 2013-2014 Council on Foreign Relations International Affairs fellow in South Korea.
In addition to Hooker’s nomination, Trump has selected Thomas DiNanno as under Secretary of State for arms control and international security. This role will focus on America’s strategic deterrence commitments to South Korea, among other responsibilities. DiNanno has previously worked as the deputy assistant secretary of state and leads various extended deterrence engagements with key allies in the Asia-Pacific region.
The nomination of Allison Hooker signifies a continued focus on U.S. diplomatic efforts in North Korea under President Trump’s administration. Hooker’s background and experience in both diplomacy and intelligence position her to effectively contribute to U.S. foreign affairs. Moreover, Thomas DiNanno’s appointment underscores the administration’s commitment to maintaining strategic military alliances in the region, especially in terms of arms control and deterrence strategies.
Original Source: koreajoongangdaily.joins.com
