Michael Kavoukjian, Armenian-American Attorney Advances as U.S. Ambassador Nominee to Norway

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Michael E. Kavoukjian, a prominent Armenian-American attorney, former CIA Operations Officer, and longtime senior partner at White & Case, appeared before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee as President Donald Trump’s nominee to serve as United States Ambassador to Norway.

Kavoukjian’s nomination highlights his decades of experience in law, intelligence, national security, and international affairs. If confirmed, he would represent the United States in one of its most important NATO-allied relationships, with Norway playing a key role in Arctic security, energy cooperation, and efforts to counter Russian and Chinese influence in the region.

During his testimony, Kavoukjian emphasized the personal significance of the nomination, noting that while his father was Armenian, his mother was Norwegian, and that he was raised in Minnesota, home to a large Norwegian-American community. He outlined several priorities, including protecting U.S. citizens and embassy personnel, strengthening military and intelligence cooperation, expanding economic ties, and deepening cultural connections between Americans and Norwegians.

Kavoukjian described Norway as a vital NATO ally and a strategic partner in the Arctic and North Atlantic. He stressed the importance of addressing Russian and Chinese activities in the region, protecting critical infrastructure, and advancing shared defense priorities.

He also highlighted Norway’s importance to European energy security and global supply chains, particularly in oil, natural gas, critical minerals, and rare earth elements. Kavoukjian expressed interest in encouraging Norwegian investment in the United States and expanding opportunities for American businesses in Norway.

For the Armenian-American community, Kavoukjian’s nomination marks another significant example of Armenian-American leadership in U.S. public service. With a background spanning law, intelligence, diplomacy, and international business, he brings a broad range of experience to a strategically important diplomatic post.

If confirmed, Kavoukjian would assume the ambassadorship at a time when U.S.-Norway cooperation remains central to NATO security, Arctic policy, energy independence, and transatlantic relations.