(KMOV) -- St. Louis businessman Sam Fox is now the U.S. ambassador to Belgium.

On Wednesday, President Bush appointed Fox to the job while Congress is in recess.

In a statement, the 77-year-old Republican donor said he is "delighted and honored to accept the President's appointment” and is “deeply grateful to the President for his continued support and confidence."

Last week, the President withdrew Fox's nomination when it became clear he would not receive approval of a Senate committee.

Senate Democrats blasted Fox for donating to the group that ran ads claiming then presidential candidate John Kerry exaggerated his military record in Vietnam.

Senator Kerry responded to the recess appointment saying, "It's sad but not surprising that this White House would abuse the power of the presidency to reward a donor over the objections of the Senate. Our country would be stronger if this administration spent more time getting body armor for our soldiers in Iraq than it did helping their powerful friends."