SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador — The Trump administration has appointed a supporter of the “Make America Great Again” movement to oversee public diplomacy efforts at the State Department, as announced by Darren Beattie and corroborated by three current officials within the department.
Beattie shared through a message on the conservative platform Revolver, where he has been a contributor, that he would be assuming the role of acting undersecretary of state for public diplomacy. As of now, it remains uncertain whether he will be nominated for the position permanently, which would necessitate Senate approval.
An academic figure, Beattie has stirred controversy with his views on race and the United States’ foreign policy. His prominence escalated after his dismissal from the White House as a speechwriter during President Donald Trump’s initial term, following revelations about his appearance at a conference linked to white nationalists.
Expressing his sentiments, Beattie remarked in his message to Revolver’s readers, “Thanks to President Trump’s miraculous victory, we have entered the beginning of a new Golden Age — of success, prosperity, legitimacy, and accountability. I have been given the great honor of serving once again in Trump’s administration, this time in the Department of State.” He also mentioned that he would be taking a leave from Revolver to assume this new role.
While the State Department did not issue an official statement, the knowledge of Beattie’s expected appointment has been circulating within the department, as confirmed by the three officials who spoke under anonymity due to the unannounced nature of the personnel decision.
In addition to the circumstances surrounding his prior job loss, Beattie has attracted attention for several provocative remarks made on social media. Recently, he shared his perspective on October 4, 2024, stating, “Competent white men must be in charge if you want things to work. Unfortunately, our entire national ideology is predicated on coddling the feelings of women and minorities, and demoralizing competent white men.”
In his role as undersecretary of state for public diplomacy, even in an acting capacity, Beattie is expected to wield significant influence over the department’s external messaging and outreach, which includes initiatives handled by U.S. embassies and consulates globally.
Historically, those in this position have not been known for their high public profiles but have played crucial, behind-the-scenes roles within the hierarchy of the State Department.
