BREAKING: Kari Lake Gives Her Opening Statement At Confirmation Hearing To Be Ambassador To Jamaica

[00:00:00]Chairman Risch, ranking member Shaheen, and distinguished members of the committee, thank you for the opportunity to appear before you as President Trump's nominee to serve as ambassador of the United States to Jamaica. I am deeply honored that the president has put his trust in me for this position and I'm mindful of the responsibility this role carries. I thank the president for his continued friendship and support. I also want to thank my family and was mentioned I'm from a big family. I'd like to thank my siblings who are watching today, Vicky, Jill, Lori, Jack, Lisa, Susan, and Jennifer.

[00:00:34]Um, thank you for shaping me into the woman I am today and my parents in heaven.

[00:00:39]I'm joined today by my husband of 28 years, Jeff, who has given me unconditional love and is my rock. Also here my daughter Ruby and son Leo. Aside from a few moments in the teen years, they have brought me nothing but joy.

[00:00:55]My favorite claim to fame is telling people that I raised you.

[00:00:58]Also here today my future daughter-in-law Scotty, who's celebrating a birthday, and my son-in-law Stetson is watching back home in Arizona.

[00:01:06]I spent three decades as a top-rated television journalist and news anchor communicating complex issues on national and international issues with clarity and purpose. That experience, combined with my work leading the modernization and accountability efforts at the US Agency for Global Media, has prepared me to represent American interests abroad with transparency, discipline, and results-driven leadership. Over the past 35 years, I've traveled to Jamaica too many times to count. Jeff and I honeymooned in Jamaica and from the time our kids were very little until now, we've spent family vacations, birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays in Jamaica.

[00:01:44]Yes, of course, Jamaica has beautiful beaches and mountains and waterfalls.

[00:01:48]That's That's a given, but it's the incredible Jamaican people whose warmth, friendliness, and deep pride in their country keeps us going back. When Jamaicans put their hearts into something, they succeed from earning Olympic gold medals to creating entire musical genres like reggae to creating businesses, nothing can keep a Jamaican down.

[00:02:10]It's evident that God is a source of strength guiding Jamaica through challenges and shaping the nation's character. There are more churches per square mile in Jamaica than anywhere in the world and as a woman of faith, I really admire that. We have a shared belief that through God all things are possible.

[00:02:27]Jamaica is one of our largest trading partners in the Caribbean with bilateral trade in goods exceeding $3 billion in 2025. Americans account for more than 70% of the tourists visiting the island and Jamaica is a key security partner and a founding member of the Americas Counter Cartel Coalition combating narcotics trafficking in the region.

[00:02:47]These deep economic, security and personal ties are the foundation of a strong and enduring relationship. Under the Trump administration, we are renewing our focus on strengthening partnerships in the Western Hemisphere recognizing that our neighbors are vital partners in creating mutual security and prosperity. If confirmed, I will focus on four priorities. First, keeping Americans safe, protecting the tens of thousands of US citizens living in Jamaica along with the roughly 2 million who visit each year is a core responsibility. With hurricane season now underway and after two devastating storms in the past 2 years, it's especially important that this role is filled soon and actively engaged to work with the Jamaican government to strengthen preparedness, improve coordination and respond effectively to future disasters.

[00:03:36]The United States and the American people stood firmly with Jamaica during its recovery from the catastrophic Hurricane Melissa and acted with compassion and generosity. If confirmed, I will build on that commitment and ensure this critical work continues.

[00:03:50]Second, strengthening security cooperation. I will work closely with the Jamaican government to dismantle transnational criminal organizations, disrupt drug trafficking, and combat financial scams targeted at vulnerable Americans.

[00:04:04]And third, advancing American economic interest. I will advocate for US businesses, work to address trade barriers, such as Jamaica's long-standing restrictions on US pork exports, and promote American investment, especially as Jamaica continues to rebuild.

[00:04:19]I will work to ensure American companies can compete and succeed as we deepen our economic partnerships with Jamaica.

[00:04:26]And fourth, we must counter China's growing economic influence less than 500 miles from our shores. The Chinese Communist Party has made strategic investments across the Caribbean in ports, infrastructure, and critical sectors that carry long-term security implications. In a region this close to the United States, those efforts are not just economic, they are strategic. I will work to ensure that Jamaica continues to choose transparency, sovereignty, and partnership with the United States over dependence on actors whose interests do not align with our shared values.

[00:05:01]Jamaica's democratic tradition, strategic location, and resourceful and strong citizens make it an indispensable partner in the Caribbean. If confirmed, I will bring my work ethic, clear communication, and commitment to accountability to this role, and I will ensure that the United States Embassy proudly represents the American people with professionalism and purpose.

[00:05:22]I thank you for your consideration today, and I look forward to your questions.

[00:05:27]>> Thank you.