Trump Administration Appoints Former Speechwriter With White Nationalist Ties to Key State Department Role

Darren Beattie, previously dismissed for attending a white nationalist-linked conference, will serve as Acting Undersecretary for Public Diplomacy under Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Darren Beattie, a former Trump speechwriter, was fired in 2018 after it was revealed he spoke at a conference associated with white nationalists.
Beattie has been appointed Acting Undersecretary for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs, a role overseeing U.S. messaging on terrorism and extremism, pending potential Senate confirmation for a permanent post.
The appointment has drawn widespread criticism due to Beattie's history of inflammatory remarks, including racially charged statements and promotion of conspiracy theories about the January 6 Capitol attack.
Beattie has also faced backlash for comments downplaying China's treatment of Uyghurs and advocating controversial foreign policy positions, such as ceding Taiwan to China.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio's decision to appoint Beattie raises questions about internal alignment on U.S. foreign policy, particularly regarding China and Russia.