President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Orange County attorney Dan Newlin to serve as his next ambassador to Colombia.
Newlin is best known for his statewide injury law firm, NewlinLaw, but also served as a former deputy sheriff and detective with the Orange County Sheriff's Office.
President Trump announced Newlin’s selection via Truth social, highlighting Newlin’s experience fighting crime and drug trafficking.
“Dan demonstrated exceptional investigative skills, successfully taking hundreds of violent offenders off the streets, including those involved in armed robbery, gang violence, human trafficking, and illegal gun and narcotics trafficking,” said Trump.
Trump continued, claiming Newlin’s “law Enforcement expertise enabling him to navigate complex international issues, and his business insights fostering economic partnerships, Newlin stands as a powerful advocate for U.S. interests, and a Champion for strengthening ties, and making a difference in the World.”
Newlin, who is the latest in a chain of Floridians chosen to form part of Trump’s administration, thanked Trump for trusting him with the role.
“I look forward to continuing to serve our community as a public servant and our country in this new role,” said Newlin.
Newlin’s experience combatting crime could assist Colombian authorities as they struggle to combat drug trafficking.
Last November, counter-drug trafficking operations found traffickers employing new routes and technologies, such as submarines, to transport drugs out of Colombia.
According to a United Nations Office on Drug and Crime (UNODC) report, Colombia’s cocaine production has increased over 50% in recent years.
The 50% increase represents the 10th consecutive year (since 2013) that cocaine production has risen in the country, per UNODC figures.
Trump has previously promised he intends to curb drug trafficking and has threatened sanctions and tariffs for individuals and countries found to facilitate it.
