DES MOINES, Iowa — Former Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad was appointed U.S. ambassador to China on May 24, just two days after his confirmation by the Senate in an 82-13 vote – and five months after President Donald Trump first tapped him for the post.

 

“There’s no better job in the world than being governor of the state that you love,” Branstad said before signing his letter of resignation on his 8,169th day in office. “But sometimes we’re called to serve in ways that we never imagined.”

As the longest-serving governor in American history, Branstad, 70 – who  served six terms since 1982 – took his new oath of office, administered by 8th Circuit Court Judge Steven Colloton, before a small crowd of family, friends and staff members.

“And now, I’m pleased to present my letter of resignation as I prepare for this exciting new adventure as the United States ambassador to the People’s Republic of China,” he added.

During his confirmation hearing, he called the new post as Trump’s top China emissary “the opportunity of a lifetime,” having already developed a longstanding friendship with current Chinese President Xi Jinping.

“I see this as probably the biggest challenge that I’ve ever had in my entire life,” Branstad said during that hearing. “And I want to do anything and everything that I can to try to find an acceptable solution for the benefit of the entire human race.”

In addition, Branstad, who helmed Iowa through the Farm Crisis of the 1980s, also reflected on his 22 years as governor. “We have worked tirelessly to deliver more jobs, higher incomes, better schools and a smaller, smarter government for the people of Iowa,” he said at a ceremony in the State Capitol rotunda in Des Moines.

“We have worked together to improve our business climate, cut taxes, improve career prospects for our teachers, reduce the cost of health care, protect the unborn and safeguard our most dearly held freedoms.”

Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate accepted the resignation. “It has been a great honor to serve with Governor Branstad for many years,” he said. “He is one of the most dedicated public servants in U.S. history and one of the most hard-working individuals I have ever known.”

Craig Uden, president of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Assoc., said, “As the six-term governor of a state with more than $10 billion in annual agricultural exports, Terry Branstad is an ideal person to help facilitate the U.S. beef industry’s return to the Chinese market for the first time in 13-plus years.

“Ambassador Branstad has said that he intends to serve American-produced beef at the U.S. embassy in Beijing, and America’s cattle producers look forward to working with him to make that a reality as soon as possible.”

Mike Cline, president of the Iowa Cattlemen’s Assoc., added, “Ambassador Branstad has been a great friend to Iowa cattlemen and the agriculture industry as governor of Iowa. He has shown a great commitment to the growth of beef and other agricultural exports, and we look forward to the work he will do on behalf of all Americans in his new capacity as ambassador to China.”

New governor steps up

That morning, Branstad’s lieutenant governor was sworn into his old office. “No one has been better prepared to become governor than Kim Reynolds,” Branstad said.

As Iowa’s 43rd executive, Reynolds said becoming Iowa’s first woman governor is both humbling and exciting. “I will do my best to serve as a role model for others to follow and hope to emulate the finest qualities of those who led before me,” said the rural St. Charles native and fifth-generation Iowan.

She said one of her first priorities, besides tax reform, jobs and education, is to innovate Iowa’s energy policy.

“We must view our rich, renewable resources in ways never thought possible,” she said. “For years, our fields have fed the world. Now, they energize it. They produce products that fuel cars and they host wind turbines that power our communities and businesses.”

Rolland Schnell, Iowa Soybean Assoc. (ISA) president and a Newton farmer, said Reynolds is a proven advocate for farm families, supporting Iowa jobs and improving the prosperity of local communities.

“Her experience as lieutenant governor and state senator provides her with a unique understanding of agriculture’s role as a catalyst for employment and economic development in Iowa,” he said. “Governor Reynolds is also keenly aware of the leadership role Iowa plays in producing and selling soybeans and how soybean farmers are demonstrating efficient production with improved conservation and water quality practices.” 

Grant Kimberley, ISA director of market development and executive director of the Iowa Biodiesel Board, added, “Having worked with her on trade missions abroad and on biofuels issues at home, she has shown herself to be a natural-born leader in her own right.

“Governor Reynolds has steadfastly supported the comprehensive state biodiesel policies that help make Iowa the No. 1 biodiesel-producing state. At the federal level, we’re confident she will be an outspoken proponent of the Renewable Fuel Standard, as was her predecessor.”

In a May 25 news conference, Reynolds designated Public Defender Adam Gregg of Johnston as acting lieutenant governor. But, according to KCCI in Des Moines, Democratic Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller recently released an opinion stating Reynolds would have the title and powers of the governor, but not the authority to choose a new lieutenant governor.

Miller said he cited wording in the Iowa Constitution and historical precedent. However, Reynolds, Branstad and other top Republicans have criticized Miller’s opinion, many calling it a politically-partisan move.