Nominee for U.S. Ambassador in Sofia: Bulgaria is a key NATO ally

The U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee held a hearing for Douglas Holder, the nominee for ambassador in Bulgaria. The former Florida representative was nominated for the post at the U.S. Embassy in Sofia by U.S. President Donald Trump.

At the beginning of his remarks, Holder thanked the head of state, his family, and the staff of the U.S. administration who had supported him throughout the nomination process.

“The experience I have gained over the past three decades - in business, the public sector, and leadership - has enabled me to work with diverse people, tackle complex challenges, and build consensus in pursuit of meaningful results. This experience has shaped my approach to leadership and prepared me for the responsibilities associated with this nomination. I have already developed a deep respect for Bulgaria’s rich history, culture, and resilient people, and I look forward to learning even more from our Bulgarian friends and partners. If confirmed, I am eager to devote my energy to strengthening the enduring partnership between our two countries and expanding opportunities for cooperation”, Holder said at the beginning of his speech.

He stated that if he becomes ambassador to Sofia, his priorities will include developing relations between the U.S. and Bulgaria, stimulating economic growth, and strengthening ties between the people of the two countries. Holder also promised to work to ensure the support and resources needed by Americans living in or visiting our country.

“As a NATO member, Bulgaria has increased its efforts to invest resources in our collective defense, allocating more than 2% of its GDP to this purpose in 2025. Located on the Black Sea, Bulgaria is a key ally in ensuring security in the region. “If confirmed, I will work with my Bulgarian colleagues to strengthen our defense cooperation and to help Bulgaria stay on a reliable path toward fulfilling the commitments made at the Hague Summit by 2035”, the ambassador-nominee added.

He was emphatic that his work in Sofia would focus on economic diplomacy, as the U.S. and Bulgaria can improve their trade ties, particularly in the sectors of energy, artificial intelligence, and critical raw materials. “I will promote U.S. exports and encourage Bulgarian investment in the U.S., which will create jobs and opportunities for American workers,” Holder added.

Trump nominated Holder to head the U.S. diplomatic mission in Bulgaria in early June. Currently, the U.S. does not have an officially appointed permanent ambassador in Sofia. The U.S. Embassy is headed by H. Martin McDowell - the chargé d’affaires - a senior career diplomat who is serving as ambassador until a new one is appointed.

The most recent U.S. ambassador to Bulgaria was Kenneth Merten. He was nominated in 2022, confirmed by the Senate, and began his term in Sofia in April 2023, when he officially presented his credentials to then-President Rumen Radev.

During his tenure, Merten led the U.S. diplomatic mission during a period of enhanced strategic cooperation between Bulgaria and the United States - including on issues such as energy, security, and military modernization. He left his post in January 2025, following the change of administration in Washington, in accordance with established diplomatic practice for the recall of politically appointed ambassadors.

His immediate predecessor was Hero Mustafa, who held the position from 2019 to 2023. Her tenure was marked by active public diplomacy.