POLITICS + GOVERNMENT

Jon Huntsman to resign as US Ambassador to Russia

Aug 6, 2019, 10:08 AM | Updated: 10:35 am

Jon Huntsman Jr. ambassador governor...

Ambassador Jon M. Huntsman Jr. talks with his wife Mary Kaye during a Trade Talks forum at the Spaso House in Moscow, Russia on Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2018. (Photo: Ravell Call, Deseret News)

(Photo: Ravell Call, Deseret News)

MOSCOW — US Ambassador to Russia and former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman, Jr., plans to resign his position and return to Utah, the Deseret News reports.

Huntsman sent his letter of resignation to President Donald Trump on Tuesday, effective Oct. 3.

Earlier this year, a source told the Deseret News Huntsman had not ruled out a run for Utah governor, sparking rumors about his political ambitions. This weekend, CNN reported that President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke about finding a replacement for Huntsman in Moscow.

The letter does not mention political plans for Jon Huntsman, Jr., but instead focuses on his gratitude to his fellow public servants in Russia and personal life events.

“During my tenure, I have had the high honor of leading hundreds of talented, patriotic public servants who are themselves laboring under extremely difficult circumstances to promote and protect America’s interests. They have endured unprecedented expulsions, forced departures and enormous professional disruptions. Though largely anonymous, your team in Mission Russia is first-rate and every American would be proud of their work,” Huntsman wrote.

“Yet, as I have shared with you and Secretary Pompeo,” the letter continues, “our desire is to return to the United States after two years to reconnect with our growing family and responsibilities at home.”

Gov. Gary Herbert, who is not seeking re-election, became governor when Huntsman, a Republican, resigned as governor to serve as President Barack Obama’s ambassador to China in 2009. However, Herbert indicated he plans to endorse his own lieutenant governor in the coming election.

“I’ve already made it known that I’m supporting Lt Gov. Spencer Cox,” said Governor Gary Herbert in a live interview on KSL NewsRadio Tuesday.  “I think he’s certainly demonstrated his ability and his talent. He’s been through all the chairs from local government, city, county, legislature, and lieutenant governor.”

“We can speculate until the cows come home about these folks or whoever else out there might be considering. I know there’s a lot of people who want to BE governor; not everyone wants to DO governor — it’s not an easy job, I can tell ya,” said Herbert.

Huntsman left the ambassadorship in China to run for president against President Obama, a Democrat, in 2012. Lt. Gov. Spencer Cox reacted to the news that Huntsman would be returning to the state this fall.

“If he had not gone to China, I would not be here as lieutenant governor. I’m glad he’s coming back to Utah, he didn’t do that in between his stays in China and then in Russia as the ambassador. Utah is home, and the Huntsman family is a critical part of who we are in Utah,” he told KSL NewsRadio.

He was then asked about what this would mean for the governor’s race.

“I’m not one of the three elite families in Utah. Certainly [my time] has come at this service a different way. But however you come about public service, it is to be commended. I’m grateful for his service. if he decides to run, I welcome him to the race. He would make me a better candidate,” said Cox.

So far, Cox, a Republican, is the only declared candidate so far for governor in 2020. The deadline for candidates of any party to file to run is March 19, with primary elections scheduled for June and the general election on November 3, 2020.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Today’s Top Stories

Politics + Government

The OLRGC released an analysis of the expected topics to be discussed during a special session of t...

Simone Seikaly

Extending state flooding emergency, firearm restrictions, among topics for Utah special session

The OLRGC released an analysis of the expected topics to be discussed during a special session of the legislature.

11 months ago

Migrants seeking asylum in the US look through the border wall as volunteers offer assistance on th...

Nouran Salahieh

End of Title 42 policy brings fewer migrants than expected

Southern border communities report fewer migrants, but concerns remain about overcrowded processing and detention facilities.

11 months ago

President Joe Biden looks on during a meeting with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez at the Whit...

Maegan Vazquez

Biden facing political pressures from both parties over handling of migration challenge

  (CNN) — President Joe Biden is coming under sustained pressure from both sides of the aisle over the administration’s handling of the expiration of Title 42, the controversial Trump-era pandemic public health restriction that became a key tool to turn back migrants at the US-Mexico border. Title 42 was a public health order established early on in the pandemic with […]

11 months ago

graduates are pictured, the us is offering some student loan debt forgiveness...

Associated Press

The US has approved $42 billion in loan forgiveness for public service workers. Here’s what to know

The program is separate from U.S. Supreme Court is currently considering whether that plan can go ahead.

11 months ago

Migrants stand near the border wall after crossing the Rio Bravo river...

Dakin Andone and Priscilla Alvarez, CNN

Title 42 has expired. Here’s what happens next

The new asylum rule is already facing a legal challenge as the ACLU and other immigrant advocacy groups filed a lawsuit.

11 months ago

Private equity investor Andrew Intrater is one of the people federal prosecutors allege Rep. George...

Fredreka Schouten

Private equity investor identified as political contributor allegedly duped by George Santos

(CNN) — Private equity investor Andrew Intrater is one of the people federal prosecutors allege Rep. George Santos induced to donate money as part of an alleged scheme that diverted purported political contributions to Santos’ personal use, Intrater’s lawyer confirmed to CNN on Thursday. In a 13-count indictment made public Wednesday, prosecutors alleged that Santos and an […]

11 months ago

Sponsored Articles

close up of rose marvel saliva blooms in purple...

Shannon Cavalero

Drought Tolerant Perennials for Utah

The best drought tolerant plants for Utah can handle high elevations, alkaline soils, excessive exposure to wind, and use of secondary water.

Group of cheerful team members high fiving each other...

Visit Bear Lake

How To Plan a Business Retreat in Bear Lake This Spring

Are you wondering how to plan a business retreat this spring? Read our sample itinerary to plan a team getaway to Bear Lake.

Cheerful young woman writing an assignment while sitting at desk between two classmates during clas...

BYU EMBA at the Marriott School of Business

Hear it Firsthand: 6 Students Share Their Executive MBA Experience at BYU’s Marriott School of Business

The Executive MBA program at BYU offers great opportunities. Hear experiences straight from students enrolled in the program.

Skier being towed by a rider on a horse. Skijoring....

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Looking for a New Winter Activity? Try Skijoring in Bear Lake

Skijoring is when someone on skis is pulled by a horse, dog, animal, or motor vehicle. The driver leads the skiers through an obstacle course over jumps, hoops, and gates.

Banner with Cervical Cancer Awareness Realistic Ribbon...

Intermountain Health

Five Common Causes of Cervical Cancer – and What You Can Do to Lower Your Risk

January is National Cervical Cancer Awareness month and cancer experts at Intermountain Health are working to educate women about cervical cancer.

Kid holding a cisco fish at winterfest...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Get Ready for Fun at the 2023 Bear Lake Monster Winterfest

The Bear Lake Monster Winterfest is an annual weekend event jam-packed full of fun activities the whole family can enjoy.

Jon Huntsman to resign as US Ambassador to Russia