The new U.S. ambassador to Costa Rica, Melinda Hildebrand, met with Foreign Affairs Minister Arnoldo André in San José as she formally began her diplomatic mission.

Hildebrand presented her credentials in accordance with diplomatic protocol, officially assuming her duties as the U.S. government’s representative in Costa Rica.

With the presentation of credentials, the United States and Costa Rica formally accredited Hildebrand as the official representative of President Donald Trump’s administration. The step marks the formal start of her mission and authorizes her to act on behalf of the U.S., strengthen bilateral relations and serve as head of mission with full diplomatic precedence.

Hildebrand is scheduled to meet on Thursday, Jan. 8, with President Rodrigo Chaves-Robles at the Presidential House in San José.

According to the Foreign Ministry, she speaks Spanish and French in addition to her native English.

In February 2025, President Trump nominated Hildebrand to serve as U.S. ambassador to Costa Rica. She was confirmed following a hearing before the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee in September 2025.

Hildebrand arrived in Costa Rica on Monday. According to the U.S. Embassy, her top priority will be ensuring the safety and well-being of U.S. citizens in the country, including an estimated 160,000 Americans who reside in Costa Rica and more than 1.5 million who visit each year.