Trump ally Michelle Steel takes up post as US ambassador to South Korea

International relationsNew envoy faces tensions over China, defense costs, Coupang and investment pledgesMichelle Steel testifies during a Senate Foreign Relations Committee confirmation hearing on her nomination to be U.S. ambassador to South Korea, on Capitol Hill in Washington on May 20. © ReutersSTEVEN BOROWIECJuly 30, 2026 16:45 JSTSEOUL -- An ally of President Donald Trump arrived in South Korea on Thursday to take up the long-vacant post of U.S. ambassador, a key role in a decades-long alliance now facing tensions over China, defense policy and trade.