Everything you need to know about Natalie Baker, Trump's pick for US ambassador to Pakistan
US President Donald Trump has nominated career diplomat Natalie Baker to become Washington’s next ambassador to Pakistan, potentially ending a nearly two-year gap in the country’s top US diplomatic post.
But who is Baker, what has she done before arriving in Islamabad, and how much does she know about Pakistan?
Here are some interesting things to know about the diplomat.
1. She’s already been running the US mission in Pakistan
Baker is not a new face in Islamabad. She arrived in Pakistan in August 2024 as Deputy Chief of Mission at the US Embassy and took over as Chargé d’Affaires in January 2025 following the departure of ambassador Donald Blome.
The Chargé d’Affaires is effectively the senior diplomat running an embassy when there is no appointed ambassador. If confirmed by the US Senate, Baker would become Washington’s next permanent ambassador to Pakistan.
2. She was in Libya when the revolution broke out
One of the more dramatic chapters of Baker’s diplomatic career was her posting in Libya between 2009 and 2011.
She served as Political and Economic Counsellor as Washington worked to normalise relations with Libya after nearly three decades of strained ties.
She remained in the country until the Libyan Revolution forced the US Embassy to evacuate in February 2011. The experience placed her in the middle of a major turning point in the country’s history.
3. She helped with the US withdrawal from Iraq
During her posting as Economic Counsellor at the US Embassy in Kuwait, Baker worked with the US Department of Defense to support the withdrawal of American forces from Iraq.
Her diplomatic experience also includes work at the US Consulate in Dubai, where she served as Deputy Director of the Iran Regional Presence Office, and at the State Department’s Office of North African Affairs.
4. She’s a Princeton and Harvard graduate
Baker holds a bachelor’s degree from Princeton University and a master’s degree in Public Policy from Harvard University.
She is also a 2017 Distinguished Graduate of the US National War College, part of the National Defense University. Her academic background is complemented by a career in the US Senior Foreign Service, where she holds the rank of Minister-Counselor.
5. She’s getting into cricket, but hasn’t quite figured it out yet
Baker has developed an interest in cricket since arriving in Pakistan, although she admits the rules can be a little complicated.
In an interview shared by the US Embassy in June 2026, she spoke about attending matches, cheering for the Pakistan national team and even playing cricket with female cricketers in Lahore.
6. Pakistani food has made quite an impression on her
Baker has also developed a taste for Pakistani cuisine. Among her favourites are palak paneer and dal, while chai, pakoras and Pakistani desserts have also won her over.
She’s equally enthusiastic about Pakistani weddings, describing the multi-day celebrations, including mehndi, barat and valima, as memorable experiences.
But she hasn’t forgotten her Texan roots. When asked about American food, she recommended breakfast tacos from San Antonio, her hometown, as well as Texas-style barbecue.
7. Pakistan isn’t the only country where she’s served
Before Islamabad, Baker was Deputy Chief of Mission at the US Embassy in Doha, Qatar, from August 2021 to July 2024.
Her earlier assignments also took her to Libya, Kuwait, Dubai and Turkmenistan. She has previously served as a Consular Officer in Islamabad, meaning her experience with Pakistan predates her current posting.
What’s next?
Baker’s nomination comes at a time when Pakistan and the US are engaging on trade, investment, security and regional issues. She has already been involved in diplomatic engagement with Pakistani officials, including discussions on economic cooperation.
However, Trump’s announcement is only the beginning of the appointment process. Baker must still go through Senate consideration and confirmation before she can formally take up the ambassadorship.