NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Trump Picks Lee Lipton As Next US Ambassador To The Philippines
Photo credit: US Department of States
US President Donald Trump has tapped Lee Lipton, a seasoned businessman-turned-diplomat, as the next US Ambassador to the Philippines.
The White House announced on October 8 that Lipton’s nomination has already been forwarded to the US Senate for confirmation. If approved, he will replace MaryKay Carlson, who has served as Washington’s envoy in Manila since 2022.
From Fashion to Foreign Policy
Lipton may not have the traditional diplomat’s résumé, but his background is far from ordinary. Before entering government service, he spent more than 25 years in the private sector, running a successful apparel business in New York that produced licensed collections for global fashion brands like Calvin Klein, St. John Knits, and Guess.
After selling the company, Lipton ventured into hospitality, opening several oceanfront restaurants in Palm Beach County, Florida — many of which remain top-grossing establishments in the area.
A Businessman on the Global Stage
Currently, Lipton serves as the Interim Permanent Representative to the US Mission to the Organization of American States (OAS), where he works on advancing US priorities in the Western Hemisphere. According to his State Department profile, his portfolio includes countering “malign influence,” particularly from China, within the Inter-American system.
Observers note that his business-to-business perspective could shape how Washington approaches trade, investment, and economic ties with Manila — at a time when US-China competition in the region remains intense.
Personal Side
A Florida native, Lipton holds a degree from Bryant University. He and his wife of 45 years have two sons.
If confirmed, he will take the helm of the US Embassy in Manila during a crucial period in Philippines-US relations, with issues like regional security, economic cooperation, and the South China Sea front and center.
The White House announced on October 8 that Lipton’s nomination has already been forwarded to the US Senate for confirmation. If approved, he will replace MaryKay Carlson, who has served as Washington’s envoy in Manila since 2022.
From Fashion to Foreign Policy
Lipton may not have the traditional diplomat’s résumé, but his background is far from ordinary. Before entering government service, he spent more than 25 years in the private sector, running a successful apparel business in New York that produced licensed collections for global fashion brands like Calvin Klein, St. John Knits, and Guess.
After selling the company, Lipton ventured into hospitality, opening several oceanfront restaurants in Palm Beach County, Florida — many of which remain top-grossing establishments in the area.
A Businessman on the Global Stage
Currently, Lipton serves as the Interim Permanent Representative to the US Mission to the Organization of American States (OAS), where he works on advancing US priorities in the Western Hemisphere. According to his State Department profile, his portfolio includes countering “malign influence,” particularly from China, within the Inter-American system.
Observers note that his business-to-business perspective could shape how Washington approaches trade, investment, and economic ties with Manila — at a time when US-China competition in the region remains intense.
Personal Side
A Florida native, Lipton holds a degree from Bryant University. He and his wife of 45 years have two sons.
If confirmed, he will take the helm of the US Embassy in Manila during a crucial period in Philippines-US relations, with issues like regional security, economic cooperation, and the South China Sea front and center.
Oct 9, 2025
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