Trump Appoints Former CIA Officer and High-Profile Armenian-American Attorney Michael Kavoukjian as U.S. Ambassador to Norway
President Donald Trump has appointed former CIA Operations Officer Michael E. Kavoukjian, an Armenian-American attorney, as the next United States Ambassador to Norway, a significant diplomatic move as his administration continues to shape its foreign policy approach in Northern Europe.
“I am pleased to announce that Michael E. Kavoukjian will serve as the next United States Ambassador to the Kingdom of Norway,” Trump wrote on his social media platform, Truth Social. “Michael is a brilliant attorney, who currently serves as a Senior Partner at White & Case, where he has led complex commercial litigation teams around the world. He previously served our country as a CIA Operations Officer.”
Kavoukjian, an accomplished lawyer and former intelligence officer, brings decades of experience in law, finance, and global affairs. His appointment is a shift toward placing individuals with strong legal and intelligence backgrounds in key diplomatic positions.
For over 35 years, Kavoukjian has been a senior partner at White & Case, an international law firm, where he specializes in commercial litigation and fiduciary disputes. He has represented major financial institutions, including Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan Chase, Citibank, Deutsche Bank, and Northern Trust. His work spans multiple jurisdictions, including the U.S., Europe, and Asia, where he has handled high-profile trust and estate disputes.
Kavoukjian’s legal expertise has earned him recognition in Chambers' Band One ranking, Best Lawyers in America, and Euromoney’s Best of the Best. The Robb Report also named him one of the top 100 attorneys in the U.S. He previously chaired the American Bar Association’s Committee on Estate Planning.
Beyond law, Kavoukjian has an extensive background in intelligence. He served as an operations officer in the CIA’s Directorate of Operations, where he was involved in classified national security matters. He is also a life member of the Council on Foreign Relations, serves on the Board of Overseers of the Hoover Institution, and is a director of the Jamestown Foundation, a research institute focused on security and foreign policy.
Kavoukjian’s political connections have also been noted, particularly his financial support for Republican campaigns. According to The New York Times, he donated $700,000 to Trump’s campaign and related efforts in 2024. His financial backing shows his alignment with Trump’s political vision and policies.
As the U.S. Ambassador to Norway, Kavoukjian will play a crucial role in maintaining strong ties between Washington and Oslo. Norway, a key NATO ally, has been an important partner in defense, energy, and Arctic policy. His background in intelligence and finance may influence U.S. diplomatic strategies in the region, particularly in areas of security cooperation and economic relations.
The appointment of a high-profile attorney and former CIA officer suggests a strategic approach to diplomatic engagement, emphasizing both national security and economic interests. With growing geopolitical tensions in Europe, particularly concerning Russia’s influence in the Arctic, Kavoukjian’s role will be closely watched by policymakers and international observers alike.
His confirmation process is expected to proceed in the coming weeks, with members of Congress likely to scrutinize his background, financial contributions, and foreign policy positions before final approval.
