ECNETNews, December 18, 2024: Former President Donald Trump has officially nominated Leah Campos Schandlbauer, a seasoned foreign affairs expert and former CIA operations officer, to serve as the U.S. Ambassador to the Dominican Republic. If confirmed, this nomination marks Trump’s inaugural ambassadorial selection for the Caribbean, showcasing Campos’ extensive national security and policy expertise.
Key Highlights About Leah Campos Schandlbauer:
Distinguished CIA Career: Campos Schandlbauer boasts over a decade of service as a CIA operations officer, contributing significantly to national security efforts.
Foreign Affairs Expertise: She has served as a senior advisor for the Western Hemisphere on the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee, focusing her efforts on Latin America.
Educational Background: Campos holds degrees from the University of Pittsburgh and Arizona State University, underscoring her solid academic credentials.
Congressional Candidate: In 2012, she ran a Republican campaign for Arizona’s 9th Congressional District, prioritizing border security and reinforcing the need for a robust border policy. She famously remarked that the federal government must imitate Mexico’s stringent border protection measures in order to address the growing threats from drug cartels.
Family Connections: Campos has notable connections within political circles, as her sister and brother-in-law have both engaged in public service, further highlighting her ties to influential figures. Trump praised her family by saying they are all dedicated patriots who will support her mission as ambassador.
Private Sector Role: Since 2019, she has held the position of Senior Strategic Adviser for SAS Institute, specializing in Latin America, Southern Europe, and other global regions.
Devout Faith: As a lifelong Catholic, Campos attributes her strong religious convictions to her mother, who is a catechist.
Personal Life: She lives in Arizona with her husband, Alfred Schandlbauer, and their four children: Christian, Isabela, Soledad, and Xavier.
