A heated exchange on CNN brings renewed attention to a controversial government appointment during Trump's presidency.
According to Daily Mail, CNN commentator Van Jones strongly criticized the Trump administration's decision to rehire Darren Beattie, a former speechwriter who was previously fired for speaking at a white nationalist conference, as acting undersecretary of state for public diplomacy.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio's appointment of Beattie has sparked intense debate given his controversial past and recent inflammatory statements. The position grants Beattie significant influence over the State Department's messaging and outreach efforts, including communications handled by embassies and consulates worldwide.
On Anderson Cooper 360, Jones expressed his strong disapproval of Beattie's appointment, characterizing it as a deliberate effort to undermine American institutions.
His emotional response highlighted growing concerns about the selection of officials with controversial backgrounds for high-level government positions. The former Obama advisor emphasized how such appointments affect minority communities and public trust in government.
Jones stated on the program:
They bring in people out of the trash can, they just go drag out horrible people who you wouldn't hire to run a bodega and put them in the highest positions. It's the gaslighting of Americans, attacking black people, attacking brown people saying, 'We are not good enough'.
The controversy surrounding Beattie extends beyond his previous dismissal from the White House. His recent social media activity has drawn additional scrutiny, particularly regarding statements about race and competence in leadership roles.
Beattie's termination from his previous White House position came after revelations about his participation in a white nationalist conference. Despite this history, he maintained connections with conservative media, working as a contributor for the website Revolver before his current appointment.
In his message to Revolver readers, Beattie expressed optimism about his new role, characterizing Trump's victory as the beginning of a "new Golden Age." He announced his temporary departure from editorial duties at Revolver to focus on his State Department responsibilities.
The appointment has garnered support from certain conservative figures, including former Fox News host Tucker Carlson and former Trump adviser Steve Bannon. Both praised Beattie's capabilities and viewed his appointment as a statement against establishment politics.
The controversy over Beattie's appointment reflects broader tensions within American politics regarding government appointments and ideological representation. His role as acting under-secretary gives him substantial influence over the State Department's public communication strategies.
Recent social media posts by Beattie have further intensified the debate. In October 2024, he made controversial statements about race and leadership that drew widespread criticism and raised questions about his suitability for a diplomatic role.
Darren Beattie's appointment as acting undersecretary of state for public diplomacy by Secretary Marco Rubio has generated significant controversy due to his past association with white nationalist groups and recent inflammatory statements. The position gives him considerable influence over State Department communications and diplomatic messaging worldwide. While some conservative figures support the appointment, critics like Van Jones view it as deeply problematic, highlighting concerns about the selection of officials with controversial backgrounds for high-level diplomatic positions.