Who represents the U.S. to foreign countries?

The role of representing the United States to foreign countries primarily lies with ambassadors. Ambassadors are appointed by the President and serve as the primary diplomatic representatives of the U.S. in foreign nations. They engage in negotiations, foster relationships between the countries, and protect the interests of American citizens abroad. Their responsibilities include reporting back to the State Department on developments in the host country and advocating for U.S. policies.

Members of Congress, while they may travel to other nations and engage in discussions, do not serve as the official representatives of the U.S. in the same diplomatic capacity as ambassadors. Judges play a role in interpreting and applying the law within the U.S. judicial system, and governors focus on the administration of their respective states rather than representing the federal government internationally.