Trump’s pick for ambassador to Kuwait faces bipartisan opposition over social media posts
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Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, announced Thursday after a contentious nomination hearing that he would not support the Trump administration’s pick for ambassador to Kuwait.
Among other areas of concern, Cruz expressed concern about Amar Ghalib’s refusal to fully condemn the Muslim Brotherhood and its activities — a group Cruz believes works against the geopolitical interests of the United States.
“The Muslim Brotherhood is a global terrorist organization,” Cruz said In a post on X. “Amer Ghalib calls him an inspiration. He is against President Trump and he is disqualifying. I cannot support his confirmation for ambassador to Kuwait.”
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Sen. Ted Cruz speaks to reporters on his way to the Senate Weekly Policy Luncheon at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Dec. 6, 2022. (Kevin Dietz/Getty Images)
Ghalib, the mayor of Hamtramck, Mich., clashed with Cruz and other members. Senate That day, several lawmakers clashed over issues such as the United States’ relationship with Israel, his comments about the war in Gaza, and more.
According to the State Department, Ghalib was born and raised in Yemen before coming to the United States at age 17. After working full-time at an auto parts factory, he attended Ross University School of Medicine from 2006-2011 and worked as a healthcare professional at Hamtramck Medical Group until entering politics. Ghalib made news when he was elected mayor in 2021, becoming the first Muslim to fill the role. He confirmed that ability Donald Trump for the presidency in 2023.
“Mr. Ghalib’s journey began as a farmer in Yemen, then an autoworker in the United States, a healthcare professional, and then an elected mayor of his city. His multicultural experience, deep regional knowledge, and demonstrated success as a politician, leader, and community organizer make him an ideal candidate to serve as the U.S. Ambassador to the State Department,” Kuwat wrote. In its summary of the nominee of the Administration.
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Hamtramck Mayor Amer Ghalib, 43, is pictured in his office at City Hall on Sept. 10, 2023 in Hamtramck, Mich. (Salvan Georges/Getty Images)
When Cruz asked Thursday if former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein was still considered a martyr, Ghalib deflected the question at the outset.
“I was a private citizen in 2020,” Ghalib replied, referring to the time of the social media post when he made that description.
“I’m just asking for your opinion. I asked you about today. Do you believe that Saddam Hussein is a martyr?” Cruz asked again.
“I don’t think so — there’s no doubt that Saddam was a dictator. I mean, I can say no. It doesn’t matter. He’s in God’s hands; he’s going to get what he deserves,” Ghalib said.
Hussein served as president from 1979 until the 2003 US invasion of Iraq toppled his government. Subsequently, an Iraqi tribunal convicted him of willful killing, illegal imprisonment, deportation and torture, among other abuses. He was hanged on 30 December 2006.
Ghalib and the Hamtramck City Council in 2024 when the city came under fire Voted unanimously To approve a resolution that the city refrain from investing in Israeli companies in response to the war in Gaza. Citing that resolution, Cruz and other senators would be able to faithfully carry out positions in the Ghalib administration — especially if the Muslim Brotherhood is to be designated a terrorist organization or express reservations on other policy issues that might conflict with Ghalib’s personal views on the Middle East.
That hesitation spread all over the place.
“You liked the Facebook comment comparing Jews to monkeys,” Sen. Jackie Rosen, D-Nev. said “Leaders you don’t like have become ‘Jews.’
Ghalib did not deny writing the post. Instead, he defended himself by arguing that his comments were taken out of context or that lawmakers selectively misinterpreted his actions. Responding to Rosen’s comment about liking a post comparing Jews to monkeys, Ghalib said he has practiced interacting with all social media comments on his page. He said these views do not reflect his position.
“I think many of my posts were written in Arabic and were mistranslated,” Ghalib said in response to further questions about some of his own posts.
The State Department and Ghalib’s office did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump speaks as Hamtramck Mayor Amer Ghalib listens at his campaign office on October 18, 2024 in Hamtramck, Mich. (Evan Vucci/AP Photo)
Rosen and other senators were not impressed with Ghalib’s explanation.
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“That’s beyond the pale. I’m not going to support your nomination,” Rosen said. “And if you’re confirmed — sir, I want you to remember this: You’ll be the ambassador of the United States of America. And as such, as ambassadors, we must respect everyone. We’re looking to see if that happens.”
No date has been set for a final vote on Ghalib’s nomination.
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