Skip To...
President Donald Trump’s latest ambassador pick has been met with criticism online. Earlier this week, POTUS announced the nomination of River Oaks Donuts owner Melinda Hildebrand as the next U.S. Ambassador to Costa Rica.
“I am pleased to announce that Melinda Hildebrand will serve as the next United States Ambassador to Costa Rica,” he shared on Truth Social. “Melinda is an incredibly successful businesswoman and philanthropist who serves as the Vice Chair of the Hildebrand Foundation and Vice President of Hilcorp Ventures Inc. She is also the President and Owner of the popular River Oaks Donuts. She will fight tirelessly to protect America’s Interests abroad, especially in Trade and Immigration. Congratulations, Melinda!”
Trump’s decision has sparked mixed reactions, with some criticizing Hildebrand’s qualifications and background. But the commander-in-chief is confident she’s a good fit and will get the job done.
Trump’s Choice Heavily Criticized
Some of Trump’s critics took to social media to ridicule his choice, with others claiming “it has to be a joke.” Another critic slammed the president for choosing “inexperienced billionaire” as candidate for a major political position.
Meanwhile, some commenters joked about Hildebrand’s Houston-based donut business. “If she’s giving away free donuts and coffee, I’m all in,” one wrote, while another added, “I’m sure the Costa Ricans will be impressed with a Donut Queen representing us.”
Donald Trump and Melinda Hildebrand Go Way Back
Trump’s nomination comes as no surprise to those who know their history. The Hildebrands, along with Tilman Fertitta—another ambassador picked by the president—were reportedly major fundraisers for Trump’s presidential campaign.
In May 2024, the Financial Times reported that Mr. and Mrs. Hildebrand hosted a campaign event for then-presidential candidate Trump. The host committee gave $250,000 or raised $500,000 per couple, while attendees donated a minimum of $10,000 per person.
In August 2024, the Daily Beast reported that the Hildebrands were also part of the host committee for another Trump fundraising dinner in Colorado. Similar to the previous one, the host committee gave or raised $500,000 per couple.
Following Donald Trump’s official announcement, Hildebrand expressed her excitement about the potential new role. “I am honored to be nominated by President Trump to serve as U.S. Ambassador to Costa Rica,” she told Paper City. “I look forward to engaging with the Senate throughout the confirmation process.”
On Thursday, billionaire Hildebrand donated $20 million to her alma mater, the University of Texas at Austin’s McCombs School of Business. Her generous gift establishes the Hildebrand MBA Excellence Fund, designed to provide scholarships for incoming full-time MBA students and enhance leadership development opportunities across all five Texas McCombs MBA programs.
