Joe Biden nominates JFK’s daughter for top Aussie role

The daughter of John F. Kennedy has been nominated to become the next US Ambassador to Australia by US President Joe Biden, ending months of media speculation.

Caroline Kennedy, 64, has already established an impressive diplomatic career having served as ambassador to Japan during the Obama administration for four years.

 

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Kennedy is a long-time ally and friend of Biden’s, previously throwing her support behind him for the 2020 presidential campaign and helping him get to the White House. The White House announced Kennedy’s nomination in a statement on December 15.

“Caroline Kennedy served as U.S. Ambassador to Japan from 2013-2017. She played a critical role in the commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II culminating in the historic visits of President Obama to Hiroshima and Prime Minister Abe to Pearl Harbor. She advanced the realignment of U.S. Forces in Okinawa, promoted women’s empowerment in Japan, and increased student exchange between the U.S and Japan,” the statement said.

“In 2017, she founded the International Poetry Exchange Project to virtually connect students in Japan, Korea, the Philippines, and the Bronx through the power of the spoken word. In November 2021, she was awarded the Grand Cordon of the Rising Sun, the highest honor for which foreigners are eligible, for her efforts to strengthen the US-Japan alliance.”

Kennedy said she looked forward to working with the Australian government and getting to know the people, in a statement.

“I am always grateful to the courageous Solomon Islanders and Australian coast watchers who rescued my father during World War II, and if confirmed, I will work hard to repay this debt,” she said.

“I look forward to collaborating with the government of Australia to strengthen our alliance, improve global health and increase vaccine access during this terrible pandemic and to address the urgent climate crisis.

“I am excited to get to know the Australian people, learn about their fascinating country and share with them what I love most about America.”