U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday defended Darren Beattie, a right-wing figure with a history of inflammatory remarks, who has been appointed acting undersecretary for public diplomacy and public affairs. Beattie’s role shapes America’s global messaging.
Rubio declined to comment on Beattie’s past statements and did not address whether he had seen Beattie’s posts on X, where he advocated for white men being “in charge” and dismissed U.S. efforts to support Taiwan. Instead, Rubio emphasized Beattie’s focus on eliminating censorship within the State Department, though he provided no specifics or evidence of such programs.
Beattie was previously fired as a speechwriter for former President Trump after reports linked him to a conference attended by white nationalists. His appointment has drawn criticism, including from the Anti-Defamation League, which warned that he “has no place in a role representing American values abroad.”
Since his appointment, scrutiny of Beattie’s past social media posts has intensified. He has claimed America’s ideology is centered on “coddling the feelings of women and minorities” while “demoralizing competent white men.” He also suggested Taiwan’s absorption into China was inevitable, arguing it was “not worth expending any capital to prevent” and dismissing concerns, stating it “might mean fewer drag queen parades in Taiwan, but otherwise not the end of the world.”
A nominee for the permanent role has been selected, but Senate confirmation could take time. Beattie would need Senate approval to serve permanently.
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