Michelle Steel, nominated as the next U.S. ambassador to South Korea, told a Senate committee she would work to prevent discrimination against American companies operating there if confirmed.
Speaking at her confirmation hearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Wednesday, Steel highlighted a November joint fact sheet agreed by President Trump and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung. The document states that U.S. companies should face no discrimination or unnecessary barriers in South Korea.
Steel noted that Korean firms receive equal treatment in the United States and said she would seek the same for American businesses if confirmed. She also addressed trade issues raised by senators, including barriers on agricultural products and a pledge by Seoul to invest $350 billion in U.S. industries.
The nominee stressed the importance of a strong alliance with South Korea and Japan to address North Korea's weapons programs and regional security. She described the U.S.-South Korea defense posture as ironclad and anchored by 28,500 U.S. Forces Korea personnel.
Steel recounted her family's history, noting her parents fled North Korea during the 1950-53 war. Trump nominated her last month to fill a post vacant since former Ambassador Philip Goldberg departed in January 2025.
