Trump State Dept Pick In Trouble After Anti-Black Comments Resurface

February 18, 2026

President Trump's nominee for Assistant Secretary of State for International Organizations, Jeremy Carl, is encountering significant opposition from senators on both sides of the political aisle. Republican Senator John Curtis from Utah has publicly stated he cannot support Carl due to concerns about anti-Israel positions and insensitive comments regarding Jewish people. Carl has generated controversy for his previous statements and published work arguing that white Americans face systematic discrimination, including criticism of Juneteenth and the Civil Rights Act, as well as references to white nationalist conspiracy theories.

Who is affected

Jeremy Carl (the nominee)
President Donald Trump (whose nominee is facing opposition)
Sen. John Curtis (R-Utah) (opposing the nomination)
Democratic senators including Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.)
Civil rights organizations: NAACP, National Urban League, National Action Network, Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, and National Council of Negro Women
Members of the Congressional Black Caucus, including Rep. Yvette Clarke (D-N.Y.)
Senate Foreign Relations Committee members

What action is being taken

Sen. John Curtis is opposing the nomination
Democratic senators are pressing and challenging Carl during his Senate Foreign Relations Committee confirmation hearing
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer is condemning the nomination on the Senate floor
A coalition of civil rights organizations is sending a letter to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee urging rejection of the nomination
The Congressional Black Caucus is raising concerns about Carl's ability to represent the nation

Why it matters

This nomination matters because the Assistant Secretary for International Organizations oversees U.S. engagement with the United Nations and its affiliated agencies, serving as a senior diplomatic representative on the global stage. The position requires someone who can represent America's diverse population and values in international forums. Carl's past statements and writings—which critics describe as racist, antisemitic, and homophobic—raise serious questions about whether he can credibly represent American interests and values abroad, particularly given the diplomatic nature of the role and the need to work with diverse international partners.

What's next

The nomination faces an uncertain path forward. Republicans hold a Senate majority, but Curtis's opposition means Carl may lack the votes needed to advance out of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Without sufficient committee support, the nomination could stall before reaching a full Senate vote.

Read full article from source: Michigan Chronicle