The nominee for U.S. Ambassador to Singapore Anjani Sinha raised criticism at the Senate confirmation hearing, when he worked hard to answer questions about island countries.
Dr. Sinha was roasted by Senator Tammy Duckworth on Wednesday in the U.S. relations with Singapore and the island nation’s role in Southeast Asia.
At one point, Ms. Duckworth told him that his position was “unqualified” and that he needed to “shape and do some homework.” Since then, this exchange has become popular in Singapore and has attracted critical comments online.
Sinha’s nomination was originally announced in March by Donald Trump, when the U.S. president praised him as a “respected entrepreneur.”
“I have no doubt that Angie will strongly represent the interests of our country and put the United States first. Congratulations to Angie!” Trump said in a social position in truth, using the nickname Dr. Sinha.
Born in India, Dr. Sinha is an orthopedic and sports medicine surgeon and is now based in Florida, with several clinics in New York.
US State Department Report He said he “respected American and Asian values, as well as his deep social and cultural ties to the Indo-Pacific region”, as well as his business expertise, “qualified him well.”
At the Senate Foreign Relations Committee confirmation hearing, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham introduced him as “President Trump’s friend for more than a decade.”
In his introduction and answers to other senators’ questions, Dr. Sinha called himself a “lifetime bridge builder” and promised to “build a very strong relationship with Singapore” and “defend defense, security and economic ties.”
But it was his exchange with Democratic Senator Ms. Duckworth, who was the most censored.
Ms Duckworth first asked him about Singapore’s trade surplus with the United States, who initially answered for $8 billion (£58.8 billion) and then changed his answer to $18 billion.
Ms. Duckworth pointed out that the correct answer is $2.8 billion.
When asked how he would convince Singaporeans to crack down on Trump’s decision to crack down on 10% tariffs (a controversial topic in island countries), Dr. Sinha gave various answers, then with “the dialogue is not over.”
Ms Duckworth also asked him questions that were crucial to Singapore, namely the country’s upcoming Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) regional group and the presence of the U.S. Navy in Singapore.
Dr. Sinha didn’t know the answer or stumbled upon his answer.
At the end of the exchange, Ms. Duckworth looked angry and said, “I just don’t think you’re taking this seriously.
“You think it’s a charming post where you’re going to have a great life in Singapore and what we need is people who can really do the job.”
She noted that Singapore is a key ally in the Indo-Pacific region, she said: “You are not ready for this release at this time, during which you need to shape and do some homework.”
The exchange prompted Singaporeans to criticize Dr. Singha’s performance and question his suitability for becoming an American ambassador.
“Unsure of which is the worst insult, tariffs may make him an ambassador to Singapore,” one commentator wrote.
Another said: “This guy is more ’embarsador’ than the ambassador.”
Others praised Ms. Duckworth, who first caught Singaporeans’ attention earlier this year Beef US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth He failed to name a country in ASEAN during the confirmation hearing.
Despite the controversy, Dr. Sinha’s confirmation remains a strong possibility.
With Republicans leading the Senate and its committee, the Foreign Relations Committee appears to approve his nomination, which will conduct a full Senate vote.
Health & Wellness Contributor
A wellness enthusiast and certified nutrition advisor, Meera covers everything from healthy living tips to medical breakthroughs. Her articles aim to inform and inspire readers to live better every day.
