Mr Trump, who will begin his second term in office next month, announced the decision on his social media platform Truth Social, describing Mr Walsh as a “great philanthropist” and a “champion golfer, a very good asset for the ambassador of Ireland to have”.
Mr Walsh is the president of New Jersey-based construction and real estate firm the Walsh Company, which he founded in 2003.
In a statement, Mr Trump said he was pleased to name Mr Walsh, who will take over from Claire Cronin as the next Irish ambassador if confirmed by the Senate, on January 20, the end of President Joe Biden’s term in office.
“Edward is the President of the Walsh Company, a very successful nationwide construction and real estate firm,” Mr Trump said.
“He is a great philanthropist in his local community, and previously served as the Chairman of the New Jersey Schools Development Authority Board. He is also a Champion Golfer, a very good asset for the Ambassador of Ireland to have. Do well Ed!”
Earlier this month, Mr Trump announced that Irish woman Gail Slater, who grew up in Dublin and attended the UCD School of Law, would lead the Department of Justice’s antitrust division.
Mr Trump has announced a number of appointments this week as his inauguration approaches, including the appointment of former campaign fundraiser and Fox News host Kimberly Guilfoyle as the ambassador to Greece.
Donald Trump (Alex Brandon/AP)
News in 90 seconds – 15 December 2024
Billionaire investor Tom Barrack, who was an advisor to Mr Trump in his first term, has been tapped for the the role of ambassador to Turkey, while another close ally, former senator David Purdue, has been picked as the next ambassador to China.
Businessman Warren Stephens, a Republican donor, has been nominated as the next ambassador to the UK and real estate developer Charles Kushner, the father of his son-in-law Jared, has been picked as the next ambassador to France.
The former national security advisor to former Vice President Mike Pence, General Keith Kellog, has been selected as the envoy for Ukraine and Russia.
