Christopher Anderson Sworn In as New US Ambassador to Cambodia
Christopher Anderson Sworn In as New US Ambassador to Cambodia
WASHINGTON, Sept. 16, 2026 — U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has sworn in Christopher Anderson as the next U.S. Ambassador to Cambodia, paving the way for him to lead the U.S. Embassy in Phnom Penh and oversee what Washington describes as the next chapter of U.S.-Cambodia relations.
The U.S. Senate confirmed Anderson as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Kingdom of Cambodia on August 7, following his nomination by President Donald Trump.
According to the U.S. Embassy in Phnom Penh, Anderson will focus on advancing American interests while supporting a strong and prosperous Cambodia.
An Army veteran, Anderson is expected to prioritize expanding trade and investment, strengthening security cooperation, and working with Cambodian authorities to dismantle online scam networks that Washington says have stolen billions of dollars from Americans and victims around the world.
His appointment comes as Washington and Phnom Penh continue to develop cooperation on economic, security and law-enforcement issues, with online fraud and scam compounds emerging as a significant area of U.S. concern.
Anderson previously outlined his priorities during his Senate confirmation hearing, including efforts to combat cyber-scam networks and strengthen bilateral economic and security cooperation.
The U.S. Embassy said Anderson will arrive in Phnom Penh with a focus on working with Cambodian partners across these areas.
“Please join us in wishing Ambassador Anderson a warm welcome as he prepares for his arrival in the Kingdom,” the embassy said.
Anderson’s confirmation makes him the latest U.S. ambassador-designate to Cambodia under the Trump administration, with his tenure expected to shape Washington’s engagement with Phnom Penh on trade, investment, security and transnational crime.
