Vice-presidential candidate JD Vance used his prerogative as a US Senator to temporarily block the nominations of over 30 ambassadors nominated by Biden because they used US embassies as a launching pad to push various “woke” issues on host countries. The tool used by Vance was a very detailed questionnaire The nominees had to answer some uncomfortable questions.
Armed with a questionnaire on controversial social issues such as gay and lesbian rights, gender reassignment care, and hiring practices related to diversity, equity, and inclusion, Vance (Republican of Ohio) waited for over a year for the nomination of dozens of diplomats who were sent to posts in the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America.
A copy of Vance’s questionnaire, obtained by The Washington Post and published here for the first time, asks prospective ambassadors whether they would enhance the number of “gender-neutral restrooms” in U.S. embassies, allocate more resources to “care for people with gender dysphoria and gender transition” and fly the “flag of progress” at “regional Pride celebrations.”
“The publics of many of our allies and those countries with whom we seek to build closer relationships have traditional Christian, Jewish, Muslim or Hindu moral values,” Vance wrote in the questionnaire he gave to all nominees. “If confirmed, how would you explain to them what the United States’ promotion of human rights for LGBTQ people would look like in their country?”
Finally, Vance agreed with all but two candidates. The nomination of David Kostelancik as ambassador to Albania is still uncertain. The nomination of Stephanie Sullivan as US ambassador to the African Union was finally approved from the Senate, breaking Vance’s deadline for negotiations. Here’s a great clip of Vance mocking them from the Senate floor.
Some members of the diplomatic corps cried foul.
“It puts career diplomats in a bind when they are asked to officially explain how they would support a policy that is supported by the current administration but may not be supported by the next one,” says Barbara Stephenson, a former ambassador to Panama who held senior positions under both Republican and Democratic administrations.
“One party may support climate agreements or DEI, another may not,” she added. “These career diplomats must support the policies of the incumbent government, even if that means changing positions they have previously argued for or against.”
Although neither Vance nor his office responded to questions about the article, Vance has since done so through X.
They got me pic.twitter.com/J2YYXDCoSz
— J.D. Vance (@JDVance1) July 20, 2024
There is no reason why U.S. embassies should become poster children for anything other than American interests. Unfortunately, the “Pride” flag (quick theological question: what sin caused Lucifer’s fall?) adorns U.S. embassies around the world during Pride month.
During the largely peaceful and celebratory George Floyd riots, our embassies flew George Floyd and Black Lives Matter flags like this one from Colombo, Sri Lanka.
#Juneteenth has a special meaning this year. In the wake of the murder of George Floyd and the protests against racism and for systemic reform, more and more Americans are realizing that we must become better informed and work to dismantle unjust barriers to true equality. pic.twitter.com/6nG3BXvvkt
— US Embassy Colombo (@USEmbSL) 19 June 2021
Sometimes our embassies have sponsored events that can only be described as anti-American.
Today, one year after the murder of George Floyd, the U.S. Embassy paused for 9 minutes and 29 seconds to reflect on the fight for racial equality. We must face strenuous truths and work harder for core American ideals: equality and justice. – U.S. Ambassador Yael Lempert pic.twitter.com/YJpEvmmvo2
— US Embassy London (@USAinUK) 25 May 2021
Interestingly, most videos of George Floyd banners flying in front of US embassies have been taken down.
Today marks one year since the brutal murder of George Floyd. The international outcry following George Floyd’s killing reignited a global movement for racial justice and equality. The United States joins many countries in taking on the challenging task of confronting systemic racism. pic.twitter.com/La9xrbrc5B
— US Embassy Morocco (@USEmbMorocco) 25 May 2021
Perhaps the most bizarre incident was the George Floyd mural on the wall surrounding the US embassy in Kabul, where most locals apparently thought it was Barack Obama.
Thank you, Taliban.
(This was the George Floyd memorial in Kabul, Afghanistan. The Taliban painted over it.) https://t.co/Pwbpq0geEo pic.twitter.com/tVLGpXVF85— Krieg Blackpaw 🔜 MFF (@Krieg_Black) May 25, 2024
This is a good sign that he has the right instincts and courage to begin destroying the DEI and anti-American culture that has taken root in the federal bureaucracy.
