Republicans are drawing a line that Amer Ghalib should not be the ambassador to Kuwait after some of his previous comments came to light.
The Washington Post reported Tuesday that despite his 2024 election support in Michigan, Ghalib's comments about Israel and support for former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein were a no-go.
“I think that your long-standing views are directly contrary to the views and positions of President Trump and to the position of the United States,” said Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX). He announced his opposition during the hearing for Ghalib.
On Monday, Sen. Dave McCormick (R-PA) also said he wouldn't support Ghalib.
The White House wouldn't comment, but one person familiar with the administration said there are “no plans to pull Ghalib’s nomination at this time.”
The Post explained it as a reflection of Trump's complicated coalition that elected him.
"At times, he’s sided with establishment Republicans, who cheered a massive U.S. bombing campaign against Iran’s nuclear program this summer," the report said. "But the president has also pressured Israel at other points, scolding Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for a direct attack on Qatar, a firm U.S. ally, and pushing the government to accept a ceasefire with Hamas to end the war in Gaza."
On Monday, the administration pulled the nomination of Joel Rayburn, who was slated to be the assistant secretary of state for Near Eastern Affairs. He was caught liking a Facebook post referring to Jews as “monkeys.”
