Jeremy Carl, who was chosen by President Donald Trump to be the assistant secretary of state for international organization affairs, has decided to withdraw his nomination due to bipartisan backlash regarding his previous remarks on race, religion, and Israel.
A senior fellow at the Claremont Institute, Carl indicated he lacked the necessary unanimous support from Republicans to advance his nomination through the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. This nomination came in conjunction with Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s recommendations.
In his statement, Carl expressed gratitude to Trump for his nomination process and also acknowledged Secretary Rubio and his team for their support throughout the lengthy procedure. He emphasized, “I am withdrawing my nomination for consideration as Assistant Secretary of State for International Organization Affairs.”
With Republicans holding a slim 12-10 majority on the committee, even one defection could potentially halt a nomination through a tie vote, preventing it from reaching the Senate floor.
During his confirmation hearing last month, Carl faced tough questioning regarding his previous statements on “White identity,” immigration, and Israel. His viewpoints resonate strongly with many grassroots Republicans.
However, Senator John Curtis from Utah voiced concerns, stating Carl was ill-suited to represent America effectively in international discussions, highlighting what he viewed as anti-Israel sentiments and remarks he considered offensive toward Jewish communities. Curtis has often been labeled a “Republican in name only,” or “RINO,” post his election.
Senator Chris Murphy from Connecticut also challenged Carl regarding his views on “White identity” and its supposed erasure, to which Carl responded he was highlighting the diminishing shared American culture amidst mass immigration. While Carl attempted to clarify that he is not a “White nationalist,” he also defended his stance on this contentious topic.
Carl rejected claims of being a White nationalist, insisting his comments pertained to a culture that all backgrounds could celebrate.
“Unfortunately, at this time this unanimous support was not forthcoming,” he remarked, noting he did not wish for the administration to squander precious time and resources trying to push his nomination forward.
He added that for high-profile roles like his, while support from the President and Secretary of State is critical, it is still vital to secure the unanimous backing of the Senate’s Republican committee members. With all Democrats opposing his candidacy, achieving that support proved impossible.
The position Carl aimed to hold would oversee U.S. dealings with the United Nations and various international organizations. Previously, he served as a deputy assistant secretary in the Interior Department during Trump’s first administration.
Concluding his thoughts, Carl expressed his confidence in Trump, Rubio, and the capable team at State, remarking they will continue prioritizing an America-first foreign policy that asserts the nation’s influence worldwide.
