In a recent turn of events, Darren Beattie, the acting undersecretary of state for public diplomacy, has come under scrutiny after deleting at least six tweets that mock his boss, Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Among the disparaging remarks were insinuations of low intelligence and unfounded rumors regarding Rubio’s personal life. These deletions come to light as part of a CNN investigation into Beattie’s social media activity, revealing a troubling history of hostility toward Rubio, particularly following Rubio’s decision to certify the 2020 election results and his strong condemnation of the January 6 Capitol riot.
Darren Beattie previously gained notoriety for his association with a group of White nationalists, which led to his dismissal from a speechwriting role during Donald Trump’s administration. Over time, he emerged as a vocal critic of numerous Republican figures, often using racist and homophobic language. His transition from a role within the Trump administration to leading a right-wing media outlet, Revolver News, has further propelled him into the spotlight, especially for advancing conspiracy theories surrounding January 6 and delivering incendiary statements about sensitive topics, including abortion.
In his responses to questions posed by CNN, Beattie expressed his enthusiastic support for Rubio, labeling him as “100 percent America First” and describing it as a significant honor to contribute to advancing Trump’s policies. However, this official support is clouded by Beattie’s controversial past and the explosive nature of his deleted tweets, revealing a disconnect between his reported loyalties and his former public statements.
While Secretary Rubio has refrained from commenting on Beattie’s numerous derogatory remarks, he indicated that Beattie would not be nominated for a permanent position, which requires Senate confirmation. As it stands, Beattie’s responsibilities include overseeing the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and acting as a key advisor on public diplomacy, emphasizing the complexity of his role in the current political landscape.
The dynamic illustrates Rubio’s shift from a previous critic of Trump to a collaborator with individuals who have openly disparaged him. This new alliance spurs debate over the future implications for Rubio within the Trump-inflected political sphere, questioning whether he can effectively maintain his political stature while navigating the affiliated criticisms and past animosities from figures like Beattie.
In essence, Beattie’s updated posturing and deletion of tweets unsettle the political waters in the Trump administration, raising profound questions about loyalty, past criticisms, and the overarching strategies that define public diplomacy under this new regime.