Branstad to step down from Ambassador to China post

Branstad will leave his role in October, according to news reports.

Terry Branstad, U.S. ambassador to China, is stepping down from his role to return to the U.S. 

Ambassador Branstad informed President Trump of his move last week, according to news reports.

Branstad was assigned to his Beijing role in June of 2017.

“I am proudest of our work in getting the Phase One trade deal and delivering tangible results for our communities back home,” Branstad said in a statement to staff, according to news reports. “Our goal remains meaningful, measurable results for American families. We have made significant progress and we will not stop pressing for more.”

Iowa Soybean Association President Jeff Jorgenson of Sidney, says that Branstad has been a forceful voice for all farmers.

“Although the Iowa Soybean Association is disappointed that he’s stepping down, we certainly respect his decision. Since taking on this important role for our country, he has worked tirelessly to represent America’s interests in China. Through all the challenges, Branstad has been a forceful and important voice for all Americans, particularly for Iowa and Iowa’s farmers,” Jorgenson stated Monday. 

Jorgenson added, “Given China’s importance as a global soybean buyer, ISA leadership has often called upon him for insight and to share our perspectives. We have had multiple meetings with him during his time as ambassador, both in China and in Iowa. We always left those meetings knowing we had a friend working on our behalf. Iowa soybean farmers say, ‘thank you Ambassador Branstad, and welcome home.’”