Vice Presidential nominee JD Vance used his prerogative as a US Senator to temporarily derail the nominations of over 30 Biden-nominated ambassadors over the issue of using US embassies as a launching pad to push various ‘woke’ issues on host countries. The tool used by Vance was a very detailed questionnaire that required nominees to answer some uncomfortable questions.
Armed with a questionnaire on hot-button social issues about gay and lesbian rights, gender transition care and hiring practices related to diversity, equity and inclusion, Vance (R-Ohio) held up for more than a year the nominations of dozens of diplomats assigned to serve in posts across 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, asked would-be ambassadors if they would increase the number of “gender-neutral bathrooms” in U.S. embassies, boost resources for “gender dysphoria and gender transition care” and raise the “Progress flag” during “regional Pride celebrations.”
“The publics of many of our allies, and those countries we seek to build stronger relationships with, have traditional Christian, Jewish, Muslim, or Hindu moral values,” Vance wrote in the questionnaire he provided to all nominees. “If confirmed, how would you explain to them what the United States’ promoting ‘human rights for LGBTQ people’ would look like in their country?”
Eventually, Vance worked out agreements with all but two nominees. The nomination of David Kostelancik as ambassador to Albania remains in limbo. The nomination of Stephanie Sullivan to be US Ambassador to the African Union was eventually approved by the Senate, breaking cloture on Vance’s hold. Here is a great clip of Vance roasting her from the well of the Senate.
Some members of the diplomatic corps cried foul.
“It puts career diplomats in a bind to be asked to go on the record commenting on how they would support policies that are favored by the current administration but may not be by the next,” said Barbara Stephenson, a former ambassador to Panama who served in senior positions under both Republican and Democratic administrations.
“One party may support climate change agreements or DEI, and another may not,” she added. “Those career diplomats are required to support the policy of the administration in power, even when that means changing positions they have previously argued for or against.”
While neither Vance nor his office responded to questions for the article, Vance has since used X to do so.
They got me pic.twitter.com/J2YYXDCoSz
— JD Vance (@JDVance1) July 20, 2024
There is no reason that US embassies should be a billboard for pushing anything but American interests. Unfortunately, during “pride” month, the “pride” flag (quick theological question: which sin caused Lucifer’s fall?) festoons US embassies across the globe.
During the mostly peaceful and festive George Floyd riots, our embassies flew George Floyd and Black Lives Matter flags like this one from Colombo, Sri Lanka.
#Juneteenth has special significance this year. In the wake of the murder of George Floyd and protests against racism and for systemic reforms, more and more Americans realize we must better inform ourselves and work to take down unjust barriers to true equality. pic.twitter.com/6nG3BXvvkt
— U.S. Embassy Colombo (@USEmbSL) June 19, 2021
Sometimes, what can only be described as anti-American events were sponsored by our embassies.
Today, one year after the murder of George Floyd, the U.S. Embassy paused for 9 minutes 29 seconds to reflect on the struggle for racial equality. We must confront hard truths & work harder in pursuit of core American ideals: equality & justice. – U.S. Chargé Yael Lempert pic.twitter.com/YJpEvmmvo2
— U.S. Embassy London (@USAinUK) May 25, 2021
Interestingly, most of the videos of George Floyd banners flying at US embassies have been disabled.
Today marks one year since the brutal murder of George Floyd. The international outcry after George Floyd’s murder revived a movement for racial justice and equity worldwide. The United States joins many countries who are doing the difficult work of confronting systemic racism. pic.twitter.com/La9xrbrc5B
— U.S. Embassy Morocco (@USEmbMorocco) May 25, 2021
Perhaps the most bizarre episode was the George Floyd mural painted on the wall around the US embassy in Kabul, where most of the locals apparently thought it was Barack Obama.
Thank you, Taliban.
(This was the George Floyd memorial in Kabul Afghanistan. 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 correct instincts and the courage to begin to demolish the DEI and anti-American culture that has taken root in the federal bureaucracy.
QUESTIONNAIRE
Vance Questionnaire by streiff at redstate
