Reports: Jon Huntsman Accepts Russia Ambassadorship

Republican presidential candidate, former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman speaks at a primary election night rally Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2012 in Manchester, N.H. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
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Former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman (R) accepted the job of U.S. ambassador to Russia on Wednesday, according to reports from several outlets.

Huntsman, who ran for president in 2012, accepted the position according to reports from Politico, CNN’s Jeff Zeleny and Fox News’ John Roberts.

Huntsman served as U.S. ambassador to Singapore in President George H.W. Bush’s administration and U.S. ambassador to China in President Barack Obama’s administration.

In 2011, Trump called Huntsman a “joke” candidate with “zero chance” of being elected.

During the 2016 presidential election, Huntsman called upon Trump foes to back off of their crusade to stop Trump from becoming the Republican nominee.

“We’ve had enough intraparty fighting. Now’s the time to stitch together a winning coalition,” he said in May.

In October, he then called on Trump to drop out of the race after a leaked “Access Hollywood” tape showed Trump bragging about being able to grope and kiss women without their consent due to his fame.

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