President Trump plans to nominate former Utah Governor Jon Huntsman as U.S. ambassador to Russia, the White House announced Tuesday.

The nomination of Huntsman had been long expected. He previously served as U.S. ambassador to China from 2009 to 2011 under former President Barack Obama.

Huntsman has served in the administrations of five U.S. presidents and was a candidate for the 2012 Republican presidential nomination.

If confirmed by the Senate, Huntsman will take the ambassador job during a tense period in the relationship between the U.S. and Russia.

Committees in Congress and special counsel Robert Mueller are investigating Russia's interference in the U.S. election and possible ties to the Trump campaign.

The Trump administration has also signaled an intent to work closer with Russia on counterterrorism issues, including on combating the Islamic State in Syria.