United States: Trump appoints interior decorator as ambassador, sparking controversy

Donald Trump appointed Barbera Thornhill, a former interior design business leader, to head the U.S. Department of State's office combating human trafficking, with the rank of itinerant ambassador. Her appointment, confirmed by the Senate on August 7, 2026, has sparked criticism due to her limited experience in anti-trafficking policies. Organizations like PACT expressed concerns about her qualifications, and her official portrait release led to social media mockery. Thornhill, known as a businesswoman in Los Angeles, lacks significant federal policy experience in combating trafficking, fueling the controversy.