President Donald Trump has announced the nomination of John Breslow, of Arizona, as Ambassador of the USA to the Republic of Cyprus. If confirmed by the Senate, Breslow will succeed Julie S. Davis, who has served as U.S. Ambassador to Cyprus since February 2023.

The announcement marks the beginning of a formal process that requires Senate confirmation before Breslow can assume his post in Nicosia.

John Breslow is a businessman, former public official, and philanthropist. 

A Nebraska native, he built his career as owner and chairman of Linweld, a successful industrial gas and welding supply company later sold in 2006.

Breslow served two terms as Nebraska State Auditor from 1991 to 1999, initially elected as a Democrat before switching to the Republican Party. He later ran for governor unsuccessfully and transitioned into private business and philanthropy. He was a minority owner of the NHL’s Arizona Coyotes and chaired Coyotes Charities.

A major donor to Republican causes, Breslow has contributed over $1.5 million to political campaigns and PACs in recent years, including substantial support for Donald Trump. His philanthropic efforts include a $7 million gift to the University of Nebraska for an ice hockey arena and a $2 million donation to Arizona’s largest no-kill animal shelter in honor of his wife, Sonia.

If confirmed, this will be his first diplomatic post.

Ambassador Julie S. Davis, a career member of the U.S. Foreign Service, has been serving as U.S. Ambassador to Cyprus since February 2023.

Earlier this year, she was also appointed to serve concurrently as Chargé d’Affaires for the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv, Ukraine, reflecting Washington’s confidence in her diplomatic experience.

Under the U.S. Constitution, ambassadors are appointed by the President “with the advice and consent of the Senate.” The process begins with the President’s nomination — formally submitted to the Senate and referred to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

The committee then reviews the nominee’s background and may hold a public hearing where Senators question the candidate about policy priorities, regional knowledge, and potential conflicts of interest. Following this stage, the committee votes on whether to recommend the nomination to the full Senate.

The full Senate then debates and votes on the nomination. A simple majority is required for confirmation. Once approved, the President signs the official commission, and the ambassador travels to the host country to present credentials to the head of state — in this case, the President of Cyprus.

On average, the confirmation process for ambassadorial nominees can take several weeks or even months, depending on the Senate calendar and political climate.