Darren Beattie, Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy

TLDR:

The recent appointment of Darren Beattie as the acting Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs has sparked significant controversy. Beattie, a former Trump speechwriter, was previously dismissed for attending a conference with white nationalists. He has made public statements advocating for the sterilization of individuals he deems “low-IQ trash” and has expressed views aligning with eugenicist ideologies. His new role involves shaping America’s global public diplomacy, raising concerns about the influence of such perspectives in U.S. foreign policy.

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In early February 2025, Secretary of State Marco Rubio appointed Darren Beattie as the acting Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs. This position places Beattie at the helm of America’s global public diplomacy efforts, responsible for managing the country’s image and messaging abroad. However, Beattie’s history and public statements have ignited a bit of a firestorm of debate and concern.

Beattie first entered the national spotlight during President Donald Trump’s initial term, serving as a speechwriter. His tenure was cut short in 2018 after reports surfaced of his participation in a conference attended by prominent white nationalists. Despite this, Beattie remained an influential figure in certain political circles, founding the right-wing platform Revolver News and continuing to voice controversial opinions.

In May 2024, Beattie took to social media to express his views on population control, stating: “Higher quality humans are subsidizing the fertility of lower quality humans.” Such remarks echo discredited eugenicist ideologies that advocate for selective breeding and sterilization to “improve” human populations. These beliefs were further underscored by his derogatory reference to certain groups as “low-IQ trash,” whom he suggested should undergo sterilization.

The ideology Beattie promotes is reminiscent of early 20th-century eugenics movements, which sought to control human reproduction based on arbitrary and biased standards of “fitness.” These movements led to egregious human rights violations, including forced sterilizations and the marginalization of entire communities. The resurgence of such rhetoric in modern governance is alarming, especially when espoused by individuals in positions of significant influence.

Beattie’s appointment has not only domestic but also international implications. As the Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs, he is tasked with conveying America’s values and policies to the world. Entrusting this responsibility to someone with a history of promoting divisive and discriminatory views risks undermining the nation’s credibility on the global stage. It sends a conflicting message to allies and adversaries alike about the principles the United States stands for.

The decision to elevate Beattie to such a prominent role raises pressing questions about the direction of U.S. foreign policy and the values that underpin it. It challenges citizens and policymakers to reflect on the kind of leadership and ideologies they endorse and the potential long-term consequences of normalizing such perspectives within the corridors of power.

In a time when the world is watching, the voices chosen to represent America do, in fact, matter. The inclusion of individuals who advocate for outdated and harmful ideologies in high-ranking positions not only tarnishes the nation’s image but also threatens the foundational values of equality and human dignity.

As this situation unfolds, it serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and accountability in political appointments. The ideologies and beliefs of those in power can shape policies that impact millions, both domestically and internationally. Ensuring that such policies are guided by principles of justice, equality, and respect for all individuals is paramount to the nation’s integrity and moral standing in the world.