JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Joseph Mark Burkhalter of Johns Creek, a former leader of the Georgia House of Representatives, has been confirmed by the U.S. Senate as the American ambassador to Moldova, a European nation wedged between Ukraine and Romania.
The Senate approved Burkhalter’s nomination — along with a slew of other Trump administration appointments — in a 51-47 vote Aug. 7. He was nominated to the post by President Donald J. Trump June 1.
In a certificate of demonstrated competence report delivered to the Senate’s Committee on Foreign Relations June 8, the Trump administration said Burkhalter is the owner and consultant for business development at Burkhalter International LLC. The report said Burkhalter, as senior advisor in the public policy and regulation practice at the law firm Denton U.S. LLP, “played a significant role in Dentons’ public affairs and economic development initiatives throughout Europe.”
The report noted Burkhalter’s 18 years of service in the Georgia General Assembly. He represented north Fulton County from 1993-2011 and served as speaker pro tempore of the chamber from 2005-2010. Burkhalter was also speaker for 11 days in 2010.
Burkhalter, according to the report, “built a successful career in real estate development” while serving in the state Legislature. The report said that his “decades of public service as an elected official and business leader, commitment to advancing American leadership and engagement, and broad understanding of the complexities of promoting strong economic growth make him well qualified to serve” as the country’s representative to Moldova.
Trump also nominated Burkhalter to serve as an ambassador during his first presidential term, tapping him in 2020 as the U.S. envoy to Norway. The nomination never advanced in the Senate, and the Senate returned it to the president in 2021. Then-Sen. Bob Menendez, a Democrat from New Jersey and, at the time, the ranking member of the Foreign Relations Committee, and NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson rallied against the nomination because of Burkhalter’s role in a 1994 political campaign.
During that race for a seat on the Fulton County Board of Commissioners, Burkhalter, according to an ABC News report, “helped distribute a racist campaign flyer right before the election that distorted the image of Gordon Joyner, the Democratic incumbent.”
The news report said that, according to a lawsuit, Burkhalter and others discussed how white voters in north Fulton County were unaware that Joyner is Black. The flyers, distributed to more than 100,000 white voters, darkened Joyner’s skin, painted on an afro, distorted one eye and made his lips thicker.
Burkhalter, according to ABC News, settled a libel lawsuit over the matter, paid a civil penalty for violating Georgia House ethics laws, and apologized to Joyner.
It is unclear when Trump will sign the necessary letter of commission to officially name Burkhalter as ambassador. After that occurs, Burkhalter will take an oath of office and present his credentials to Moldova’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Moldova, according to The Associated Press, is navigating major political shifts, formal accession negotiations with the European Union and ongoing regional pressures from Russia. Moldova was a constituent union of the Soviet Union from 1940 to 1991.
This is a developing story that will be updated when more information is available.