Branstad to meet with Trump about ambassadorship

Gov. Terry Branstad said Monday he plans to meet with President-elect Donald Trump to discuss a position as U.S. ambassador to China while in New York this week.

Branstad has maintained a long friendship with Chinese President Xi Jinping and has built a relationship with China that has led to increased exports of Iowa soybeans and pork. Branstad did not say whether he would accept the job if it was offered.

"It’s a decision that would be a family decision, if indeed it is offered by the president-elect," he said. "And my wife and I have had several conversations. We’ve had family conversations with our children as well. And we’re going to continue that."

Branstad became the focus of speculation for the post when Trump told a crowd in Sioux City prior to his election that "nobody knows more about trade" than Iowa's governor.

“He would be my prime candidate to take care of China,” Trump said of Branstad at the time.

Branstad declined to speculate about what Trump may be looking for in an ambassador, but said he sees opportunity for the two countries.

"The Chinese symbol for danger and opportunity is one and the same," Branstad said, repeating a variation of a common linguistic misinterpretation. "I think that's kind of interesting. And that kind of sums up where we are between our two countries today."

The governor is scheduled to be in New York on an economic development trip from Tuesday through Thursday. His spokesman Ben Hammes said in an email that the day and time of the meeting with the Trump transition team is not confirmed.

"The (president-elect's) schedule is very busy so the governor is remaining flexible," Hammes said.

If Branstad were to accept a position in the Trump administration, Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds would assume the role of governor. Branstad praised the job Reynolds has done, saying they've "worked together as a team from Day 1."

"I think she’s very well prepared and has great leadership ability," he said.

Branstad will return to Iowa Thursday and plans to join Trump at a "thank you" rally in Des Moines that evening. Branstad said his office has already purchased commercial airline tickets, so he doesn't plan to return on Trump's private jet.