Douglas Holder, nominated by President Donald Trump as US ambassador to Bulgaria, has promised closer defence and economic ties with Sofia if the Senate confirms him. He testified before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
"Sitting on the Black Sea, Bulgaria is a key ally in keeping the region secure," Holder told senators. He named three priorities: security, economic diplomacy and people-to-people ties. "I will work closely with my Bulgarian counterparts to strengthen our defence cooperation," he said.
Holder said the two countries already have a solid enough base to start new security and defence projects. He said Bulgaria should keep raising its defence spending step by step.
Bulgaria spent more than 2% of its GDP on NATO's collective defence in 2025. Commitments made at the NATO summit in The Hague must be met by 2035.
Holder signalled that, if confirmed, he would treat the F-16 programme as part of deepening the strategic partnership. Delivery of some of the jets has been delayed, but work on preparing for them and building the facilities they need is still going ahead.
On the economy, Holder said trade in energy, artificial intelligence and critical raw materials could grow. He pledged to push for more American exports to Bulgaria and to draw Bulgarian investment into the US, which he said would open new opportunities for companies on both sides.
Trump named Holder in June, and his Senate nomination lists him as ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary to Bulgaria. Holder has served in the Florida House of Representatives and has worked in real estate, insurance and business-government relations.
Until the confirmation process is complete, the US embassy in Sofia is run by chargé d'affaires H. Martin McDowell.
In August, US Air Force chief of staff Gen. Kenneth Wilsbach called Bulgaria a valuable ally and an important part of defending NATO's eastern flank, pointing to the upgrade to F-16 Block 70 jets.