United States Senator Bill Hagerty, a Republican representing Tennessee and a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, introduced Troy Edgar as President Donald Trump’s nominee for U.S. Ambassador to El Salvador at a nominations hearing in Washington.
Hagerty, who previously served as U.S. Ambassador to Japan, described Edgar as “a Navy veteran, an experienced business leader, and a seasoned public servant who currently serves as Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security.” He highlighted Edgar’s executive experience and national security leadership.
Edgar began his career in the Navy before moving into the private sector with roles at PricewaterhouseCoopers and Boeing. At Boeing, he was Chief Financial Officer for a division focused on military aircraft logistics. He later founded Global Conductor, advising major companies in aerospace, defense, and technology on transformation and modernization projects. Edgar also served as Mayor of Los Alamitos, California.
During Trump’s first term, Edgar was confirmed by the Senate as Chief Financial Officer at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), where he managed financial policy for a budget close to $90 billion supporting border security and homeland missions. Now serving as Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security—the department’s chief operating officer—he is responsible for translating policy priorities into operational results.
According to Hagerty: “What uniquely qualifies Troy for this post is his direct experience with the core issues shaping the U.S.-El Salvador relationship—including border security, migration management, and transnational criminal organizations.”
Hagerty emphasized that “diplomacy depends on execution, trust, and credibility,” noting that an ambassador must build relationships and deliver concrete results. Drawing from his own diplomatic experience in Japan, Hagerty said: “I understand the trust and judgment this type of role requires. Troy has spent his career earning that trust.”
He added: “El Salvador, under President Bukele’s leadership, has become a critical partner in combating transnational crime and addressing illegal migration. This is a pivotal opportunity to deepen our cooperation, strengthen regional stability, and advance American security interests.”
“Troy Edgar is a proven executive, a twice-Senate-confirmed national security leader, and a committed public servant,” Hagerty stated. “I am confident he will faithfully represent the United States and strengthen our partnership with El Salvador.”
Hagerty concluded by urging support for Edgar’s nomination.
Senator Hagerty holds positions on several Senate committees including Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs; Foreign Relations; Appropriations; and Rules and Administration for the 119th Congress (official website). His office provides constituent services such as casework assistance through multiple district locations across Tennessee—including Chattanooga, Knoxville and Tri-Cities—and in Washington D.C., offering support with federal agencies (official website).
