Kelly Craft

Kelly Craft is an American businesswoman, political donor, and diplomat who served in the administration of President Donald Trump. She was confirmed as the United States Ambassador to Canada in 2017, a post she held until 2019, when she was appointed and confirmed as the United States Ambassador to the United Nations, a role she served in until the end of the Trump administration. Craft's tenure was marked by her advocacy for the administration's foreign policy priorities, including support for Israel and pressure on adversaries like the People's Republic of China.

Early life and education

Kelly Dawn Knight was born in Lexington, Kentucky, and grew up in the state. She attended the University of Kentucky, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in liberal arts. During her time at the university, she was involved in student government and various campus organizations. Her early exposure to political and civic engagement in Kentucky laid a foundation for her later involvement in Republican politics and fundraising on a national level.

Business career

Prior to her diplomatic service, Craft was primarily known as a prominent political fundraiser and philanthropist. She served on the board of directors for the University of Kentucky and was actively involved with the Kentucky Community and Technical College System. Alongside her husband, billionaire coal magnate Joe Craft, she was a major donor to Republican candidates and causes, including the campaigns of Mitch McConnell and Donald Trump. The couple's philanthropic efforts have included significant donations to institutions like the University of Kentucky and the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.

Political career and diplomatic service

Craft's political career accelerated through her fundraising prowess and connections within the Republican establishment. She served as a national delegate to the 2000 Republican National Convention and was later appointed to the United Nations delegation as a public delegate by President George W. Bush. Her substantial financial support for Donald Trump's 2016 presidential campaign led to her first major diplomatic appointment. In 2017, she was nominated by President Trump to serve as the United States Ambassador to Canada.

U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations

Confirmed by the United States Senate in July 2019, Craft assumed the role of United States Ambassador to the United Nations in September, succeeding Nikki Haley. Her tenure focused on advancing the Trump administration's "America First" agenda within the multilateral body. Key actions included staunchly defending Israel against criticism in forums like the United Nations Security Council, advocating for reforms at the World Health Organization, and condemning human rights abuses in Venezuela, Iran, and the People's Republic of China. She frequently clashed with diplomats from Russia and the People's Republic of China over issues such as the Syrian Civil War and the status of Taiwan.

U.S. Ambassador to Canada

As the United States Ambassador to Canada from 2017 to 2019, Craft was a key figure during a period of significant bilateral tension, primarily centered on the renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). She worked closely with officials like Chrystia Freeland and Justin Trudeau, navigating difficult discussions that ultimately led to the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA). Her tenure also involved managing cross-border issues such as softwood lumber disputes and coordinating on shared security concerns within NORAD.

Political views and public image

Craft is a conservative Republican whose views align with the mainstream of the Trump administration's policies. She is a strong supporter of Israel, a vocal critic of the United Nations Human Rights Council, and an advocate for a robust American presence on the global stage. Her public image has been shaped by her status as a major political donor and her marriage to Joe Craft, with some critics questioning her level of diplomatic experience prior to her appointments. Supporters have pointed to her fundraising acumen and loyalty to President Donald Trump as assets in representing American interests in Ottawa and at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City.