Trump taps Steve Bannon pal with white nationalist ties for top role at State Department

President Donald Trump's administration was expected to name a former White House speechwriter to a top State Department role even though he was previously fired for ties to white nationalists.

ABC News reported over the weekend that Darren Beattie, a speechwriter in Trump's first term, would take on the role of acting undersecretary for public diplomacy and public affairs. Beattie has promoted conspiracy theories about the Jan. 6 riots at the U.S. Capitol.

In 2018, Beattie was fired by Trump's White House following reports he appeared on a panel at the HL Mencken Club conference attended by white supremacists.

"In 2016, I attended the Mencken conference in question and delivered a stand-alone, academic talk titled 'The Intelligentsia and the Right.' I said nothing objectionable and stand by my remarks completely," Beatie said at the time.

"It was the honor of my life to serve in the Trump Administration. I love President Trump, who is a fearless American hero, and continue to support him 100%. I have no further comment."

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In recent years, Beatie has taken on the role of right-wing journalist and frequently appeared on MAGA activist Steve Bannon's podcast along with other fringe outlets. He also worked for former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL).

Under Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Beatie's office will oversee public diplomacy abroad and the department spokesperson in Washington, D.C. He will serve in the role until it is filled permanently.