Senators press two nominees on social media remarks and pledge to remain apolitical if confirmed
Summary
Senators questioned Bill White and Tom Rose about politically charged social media posts and public statements. White said some tweets were removed and pledged not to weigh in on Belgian internal politics if confirmed; Rose said he understands an ambassador must work with all parties but also pledged to advocate for U.S. interests.
Several senators pressed ambassadorial nominees about past political commentary and social media activity and asked whether nominees would remain neutral if confirmed.
Senator Kane presented tweets and retweets attributed to Bill White that criticized Georgia state officials and amplified posts from a convicted far‑right Belgian account. Kane asked whether such posts demonstrated judgment appropriate for an ambassador; White said he did not recall those tweets as his and that “the tweet was removed,” adding he would not participate in tweeting about internal Belgian politics if confirmed: “I will not be participating in tweets about internal Belgian politics.”
Ranking Member Jeanne Shaheen raised concerns about comments by Tom Rose and asked whether he would commit to working with all political parties in Poland if confirmed. Rose replied, “Of course, I understand that,” and also said he would “be a forceful advocate for the president and his agenda” where U.S. interests are engaged.
Senators said the committee expects ambassadors to maintain impartial engagement with host‑country political actors while also advancing U.S. policy. Nominees offered commitments to abide by those diplomatic norms if confirmed; senators submitted the contested social‑media posts for the record.
