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Top State Dept. official who once attended conference with White nationalists picked to lead US Institute of Peace | CNN Politics

Controversial Appointment: Darren Beattie Tapped for Key Role at US Institute of Peace Amid Political Firestorm

Washington, DC – In a move that has ignited fierce debate across the political spectrum, President Donald Trump's administration has announced the nomination of Darren Beattie, a former White House speechwriter and prominent conservative commentator, to a senior advisory position at the United States Institute of Peace (USIP). The announcement, made on July 26, 2025, comes as part of a broader reshuffling of federal institutions under Trump's second term, aimed at aligning them more closely with his "America First" agenda. Beattie, known for his outspoken views on election integrity, January 6 investigations, and what he describes as "deep state" conspiracies, is set to influence USIP's research and policy recommendations on international conflict resolution and peacebuilding.

The US Institute of Peace, established by Congress in 1984 as a nonpartisan federal entity, is tasked with promoting peaceful resolutions to global conflicts through research, education, and direct engagement. It operates independently but receives funding from the federal government and often collaborates with the State Department and other agencies. Critics of Beattie's nomination argue that his background and public statements could undermine the institute's credibility and its mission of fostering impartial diplomacy. Supporters, however, see it as a necessary injection of fresh perspectives to counter what they view as entrenched liberal biases in foreign policy circles.

Darren Beattie's rise to prominence began during Trump's first term, where he served as a speechwriter from 2017 to 2018. He contributed to several key addresses, including those emphasizing immigration reform and economic nationalism. However, his tenure ended abruptly amid controversy when reports surfaced linking him to a conference attended by white nationalists. Beattie has consistently denied any affiliation with extremist ideologies, framing the incident as a smear campaign by political opponents. Following his departure from the White House, he founded Revolver News, a conservative media outlet that has gained a significant following for its investigative pieces challenging mainstream narratives on topics like the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 election, and the Capitol riot.

One of Beattie's most notable contributions to public discourse has been his advocacy for re-examining the events of January 6, 2021. Through Revolver News, he has published articles suggesting that federal agents may have played a provocative role in the unrest, a theory that echoes claims made by Trump and his allies. These assertions have been widely debunked by fact-checkers and official investigations, including the bipartisan January 6 Committee, which found no evidence of widespread government orchestration. Nonetheless, Beattie's work has resonated with a segment of the Republican base, positioning him as a key figure in the MAGA movement.

The nomination to USIP represents a significant escalation in Beattie's influence. If confirmed by the Senate, he would join the institute's board of directors or a high-level advisory council, where he could shape initiatives on topics ranging from Middle East peace processes to countering violent extremism. Administration officials have defended the choice, stating that Beattie's "unique insights into domestic polarization" could inform USIP's efforts to address global instability rooted in similar divisions. A White House spokesperson emphasized that the appointment aligns with Trump's pledge to "drain the swamp" and install loyalists in key positions to ensure policies reflect the will of the American people.

Reaction to the news has been swift and polarized. Democratic leaders, including Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chair Ben Cardin, have vowed to block the nomination, calling it "a dangerous politicization of an institution dedicated to peace." Cardin argued that Beattie's history of promoting conspiracy theories could erode trust in USIP's work abroad, potentially harming alliances with partners who view such rhetoric as destabilizing. Progressive advocacy groups, such as the American Civil Liberties Union and Human Rights Watch, have echoed these concerns, warning that the move signals a broader assault on independent institutions under Trump's renewed presidency.

On the other side, conservative figures have rallied behind Beattie. House Speaker Mike Johnson praised the nomination as "a bold step toward realigning our foreign policy with American interests," suggesting that USIP has long been a haven for "globalist elites" disconnected from everyday concerns. Prominent Trump allies like Steve Bannon and Tucker Carlson have amplified support on their platforms, framing opposition to Beattie as evidence of "deep state" resistance. Carlson, in a recent broadcast, described Beattie as "one of the few truth-tellers willing to expose the lies that keep us entangled in endless wars."

The controversy surrounding Beattie's nomination also highlights ongoing tensions within the Republican Party. Moderate GOP senators, such as Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski, have expressed reservations, indicating they may vote against confirmation. This could force a contentious floor debate, potentially exposing fractures in Trump's coalition. Political analysts speculate that the administration might use the nomination as a litmus test for loyalty, pressuring senators to fall in line or face primary challenges in future elections.

Beyond the immediate political ramifications, experts worry about the long-term impact on USIP's operations. The institute has been instrumental in initiatives like the Afghan peace talks, counterterrorism strategies in Africa, and reconciliation efforts in the Balkans. Introducing a figure like Beattie, whose public persona is tied to domestic culture wars, could complicate these efforts. For instance, in regions where U.S. credibility is already strained—such as the Middle East or Eastern Europe—associations with conspiracy-laden rhetoric might alienate local partners and embolden adversaries like Russia and China, who often exploit perceived American divisions.

Beattie himself has responded to the backlash with characteristic defiance. In a statement released through Revolver News, he accused critics of "hypocrisy," pointing out that USIP has previously hosted figures with controversial views from across the ideological spectrum. "The real threat to peace isn't questioning official narratives; it's blindly accepting them," Beattie wrote. He outlined his vision for the role, emphasizing a focus on "asymmetric threats" like information warfare and ideological subversion, drawing parallels between domestic unrest and global conflicts.

This nomination is part of a pattern in Trump's second term, which has seen several high-profile appointments of loyalists to agencies traditionally viewed as apolitical. Earlier this year, similar controversies arose over picks for the Environmental Protection Agency and the National Endowment for the Humanities, each sparking debates about expertise versus ideology. As with those cases, Beattie's fate will likely hinge on Senate dynamics, where Republicans hold a slim majority but face internal dissent.

Public opinion on the matter remains divided, according to recent polls. A Pew Research survey conducted shortly after the announcement showed that 45% of Americans view the nomination unfavorably, with stark partisan divides: 78% of Democrats oppose it, while 62% of Republicans support it. Independents are split, with many expressing concern over the potential erosion of institutional neutrality.

As the confirmation process unfolds, all eyes will be on Capitol Hill. Hearings are expected to begin in early August, promising heated exchanges that could further polarize an already divided nation. For USIP, an organization founded on the principle of transcending politics to build peace, this moment represents a profound test of resilience. Whether Beattie's involvement strengthens or undermines that mission remains to be seen, but the debate underscores the deepening intersection of domestic politics and international affairs in the Trump era.

In the broader context of U.S. foreign policy, this appointment could signal a shift toward a more isolationist or nationalist approach to peacebuilding. Beattie's writings often critique multilateral institutions like the United Nations, advocating instead for bilateral deals that prioritize U.S. leverage. If he assumes the role, programs at USIP might pivot to emphasize countering "woke ideology" in global conflicts, a theme Beattie has explored in his media work. Critics fear this could alienate allies in Europe and Asia, where progressive values are more entrenched.

Supporters counter that such a pivot is overdue, arguing that traditional peace efforts have failed to address root causes like cultural clashes and economic disparities exacerbated by globalization. They point to Beattie's academic background—he holds a PhD in political science from Duke University—as evidence of his qualifications, dismissing attacks on his character as partisan noise.

The nomination also raises questions about the future of federal funding for USIP. With a budget of approximately $50 million annually, the institute relies on congressional appropriations. Democratic lawmakers have hinted at potential cuts or oversight measures if controversial figures like Beattie are installed, potentially forcing USIP to seek more private donations—a move that could further politicize its work.

As this story develops, it encapsulates the ongoing struggle for the soul of American institutions in a hyper-partisan age. Darren Beattie's journey from White House insider to media provocateur and now potential peace advisor illustrates the fluid boundaries between politics, media, and policy in 2025 America. Whatever the outcome, this episode will likely leave a lasting imprint on how the U.S. approaches global peace in the years ahead.

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[ https://www.cnn.com/2025/07/26/politics/darren-beattie-us-institute-of-peace ]