In a move emblematic of his unconventional governance style, former President Donald Trump's second-term administration has secured the confirmation of another non-traditional appointee to a high-level diplomatic post. The US Senate Foreign Relations Committee has approved the nomination of Mora Namdar, a 38-year-old Iranian-American lawyer and beauty salon chain owner, as the Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs.
Who Is Mora Namdar? From Salons to State Department
Mora Namdar's appointment adds to a series of unexpected personnel decisions that have defined the Trump presidency's second chapter. She is a first-generation American, the daughter of Iranian immigrants, and is fluent in Persian (Farsi). A Texas native, Namdar is not only a legal professional but also an entrepreneur, owning a chain of beauty salons called Bam Beauty Bar with locations in Dallas, Fort Worth, and Plano.
Her educational background is robust in international affairs. She earned a Bachelor's degree in Political Science and Government from Southern Methodist University. She then completed a Master's degree in International Relations and Affairs and a Juris Doctor (JD) from the American University, with additional studies at Oxford University.
A Stellar Resume with Varied Experience
Despite the surprise around her business ownership, Namdar possesses significant government experience. Prior to this confirmation, she served as the Senior Bureau Official for the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs from May to December 2025, where she led U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East and North Africa.
Her career also includes serving as the acting Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs during Trump's first term. She founded her own private law practice, Namdar Law PLLC, in 2013 and has held roles as Vice President of Legal, Compliance and Risk at the United States Agency for Global Media (USAGM) and as a Senior Advisor at the U.S. Department of State.
Responsibilities and the Road Ahead
In her powerful new role, Namdar will head the Bureau of Consular Affairs. This puts her in charge of overseeing critical services that impact millions globally, including:
- Visa adjudication and revocations
- Passport policy and issuance
- Consular services and enforcement worldwide
While details of her personal life, such as her net worth and marital status, remain undisclosed in official biographies, her professional trajectory is now under intense scrutiny. Her confirmation solidifies a pattern within the Trump administration of appointing individuals from outside the traditional political and diplomatic corridors to vital sectors.
The big question now is how Mora Namdar will navigate and potentially transform the already controversial consular affairs landscape under a president known for his disruptive policies. Her unique blend of entrepreneurial, legal, and prior diplomatic experience will be tested as she takes on one of the most public-facing and sensitive roles in American foreign policy.
