George Edward Glass facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
George Edward Glass
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Official portrait, 2025
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| 32nd United States Ambassador to Japan | |
| Assumed office April 18, 2025 |
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| President | Donald Trump |
| Preceded by | Rahm Emanuel |
| United States Ambassador to Portugal | |
| In office August 30, 2017 – January 13, 2021 |
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| President | Donald Trump |
| Preceded by | Robert A. Sherman |
| Succeeded by | Randi Levine |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1960 (age 64–65) Eugene, Oregon, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | Mary Glass |
| Children | 3 |
| Education | University of Oregon (BS) |
| Occupation | Businessman |
George Edward Glass, born in 1960, is an American businessman and diplomat. A diplomat is someone who represents their country in other nations. He worked as the United States ambassador to Portugal from 2017 to 2021. Since April 2025, he has been the United States ambassador to Japan.
Contents
Early Life and Education
George Glass was born in Eugene, Oregon, in the United States. He went to South Eugene High School. Later, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Oregon. He also served as the Alumni President for the University of Oregon.
Business Career
George Glass started his business career in 1990. He founded a company called Pacific Crest Securities. This company was an investment bank that focused on technology. An investment bank helps businesses raise money and gives financial advice. He was the President and Vice Chairman of this company in Portland, Oregon, until 2014.
After Pacific Crest Securities was bought by another company, KeyBank, George Glass started a new business. This new company was called MGG Development LCC. It focused on developing real estate, which means building and managing properties. Glass also served as a trustee for the Oregon Health & Science University and for the University of Oregon. A trustee helps manage and oversee an organization.
Diplomatic Career
Ambassador to Portugal
In 2017, President Donald Trump chose George Glass to be the U.S. Ambassador to Portugal. The United States Senate approved his nomination on August 3, 2017. He officially started his role on August 25, 2017. He presented his credentials to the President of Portugal, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa.
During his time as Ambassador, Glass worked to increase business between the United States and Portugal. This included working on farming and energy issues. He also spoke about concerns regarding Chinese investments in important areas in Portugal. For example, he raised questions about a Chinese company trying to take over a Portuguese energy company called EDP Group.
Glass also talked about U.S. concerns regarding Huawei and future 5G networks in Portugal. 5G is the newest generation of mobile internet technology. In September 2020, he said that Portugal needed to choose between its friends and allies and China. He also suggested there could be consequences for defense partnerships if Portugal worked with China. He even mentioned ending natural gas distribution through the Port of Sines if a new terminal was built by China.
Portuguese officials responded to these comments. Foreign Minister Augusto Santos Silva stated that Portuguese authorities make decisions for Portugal. President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa also emphasized Portugal's independence.
In March 2020, Glass wrote an article about false information during the COVID-19 pandemic. He said that China was trying to blame the United States for the pandemic.
George Glass and his wife, Mary, also helped Portuguese communities. They supported areas recovering from wildfires and helped with replanting trees. In October 2017, they visited communities affected by wildfires. In October 2019, they started the U.S.-Portugal Friendship Forest. They also helped create a partnership between North Cascades National Park in the U.S. and Peneda-Gerês National Park in Portugal.
In September 2019, Glass named the Ambassador's Residence in Lisbon after former Ambassador Frank Carlucci. Carlucci was Ambassador to Portugal from 1975 to 1978. On November 14, 2019, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo gave Glass an award for excellent diplomatic service.
Glass finished his role as Ambassador on January 13, 2021. Before he left, the President of Portugal awarded him the Order of Prince Henry. This is a special honor from Portugal.
Ambassador to Japan
On December 17, 2024, President-elect Donald Trump announced that George Glass would be the next U.S. Ambassador to Japan. Trump said that Glass's business skills would be helpful in this role. According to The Japan Times, George Glass's oldest son had lived in Japan before.
During his confirmation hearing on March 13, 2025, George Glass spoke to the United States Senate Committee on Foreign Relations. He explained that he would likely ask Japan to pay more for American military personnel stationed there. He also said his main goal would be to make defense ties stronger between the two countries. This would include working together to produce military equipment. Glass also mentioned he would work to reduce the trade deficit between the U.S. and Japan. A trade deficit means one country buys more goods from another country than it sells to them.
The U.S. Senate approved Glass's nomination on April 8, 2025. Glass arrived in Japan and officially started his duties on April 18, 2025.
Honors
Grand Cross of the Order of Prince Henry the Navigator, Portugal (December 18, 2020).
