President Donald Trump has nominated Michelle Steel, a former California congresswoman and an outspoken advocate for North Korean human rights, to serve as the next U.S. ambassador to South Korea. 

The White House announced the nomination on Monday, which will require Senate confirmation through a simple majority vote.

Born in Seoul in 1955, Steel represented southern California’s 48th congressional district from 2021 to 2023 and the 45th congressional district from 2023 to 2025.

During her tenure, she signed a letteralongside 34 Republicans to the White House opposing then-South Korean President Moon Jae-in’s efforts to formally end the 1950-53