Trump Nominates Controversial Figure for State Department Post

Jeremy Carl's views on race and identity raise concerns among civil rights groups

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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President Trump has nominated Jeremy Carl, a proponent of 'national conservatism' and the idea of 'white erasure,' for a senior State Department position. Carl struggled to defend his views on race and identity at his confirmation hearing, drawing criticism from both Democrats and some Republicans. Civil rights groups have urged the Senate to reject the nomination, citing Carl's 'anti-Black ideology' and troubling remarks about immigrants and communities of color.

Why it matters

Carl's nomination reflects the growing influence of the 'New Right' and 'national conservatism' within the Republican Party, which holds that American society has lost its moorings by embracing diversity and multiculturalism. His views on race and identity are seen as incompatible with the principles of a multiracial democracy and the State Department's mission of promoting human rights globally.

The details

Jeremy Carl, a fellow at the Trump-aligned Claremont Institute, has argued that white people should organize as a group to protect their rights, and has accused the Democratic Party of waging an 'all-out assault on the rights of white people.' He has also espoused the 'Great Replacement Theory,' the notion that Western elites, sometimes manipulated by Jews, want to 'replace' white Americans with nonwhite immigrants. During his confirmation hearing, Carl struggled to defend these views, which have drawn strong opposition from civil rights groups and some Republican lawmakers.

  • Jeremy Carl's nomination was announced on February 13, 2026.
  • Carl's confirmation hearing took place on February 13, 2026.
  • On February 14, 2026, a Senate Foreign Relations subcommittee chairman came out in opposition to Carl's nomination.

The players

Jeremy Carl

President Trump's nominee for the position of assistant secretary of state for international organization affairs. Carl is a proponent of 'national conservatism' and the idea of 'white erasure.'

John Curtis

A Republican senator from Utah who chairs the Senate Foreign Relations subcommittee with jurisdiction over democracy and human rights. He came out in opposition to Carl's nomination immediately after the confirmation hearing.

Jacky Rosen

A Democratic senator from Nevada who is Jewish. She read a series of statements Carl had previously made about Jewish people during the confirmation hearing.

Cory Booker

A Democratic senator from New Jersey who questioned Carl about his beliefs regarding the 'Great Replacement Theory.'

Darren Beattie

A senior State Department official who was fired from the first Trump administration after speaking at a conference attended by white nationalists.

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What they’re saying

“I do not believe that Jeremy Carl is the right person to represent our nation's best interests in international forums.”

— John Curtis, Republican senator from Utah (New York Times)

“White Americans are increasingly second-class citizens in a country their ancestors founded and in which, until recently, they were the overwhelming majority of the population.”

— Jeremy Carl (New York Times)

“The Jews love to see themselves as oppressed. Jews have often loved to see themselves as the victim, rather than accept they are participants in history.”

— Jeremy Carl (New York Times)

“Competent white men must be in charge if you want things to work. Unfortunately, our entire national ideology is predicated on coddling the feelings of women and minorities and demoralizing competent white men.”

— Darren Beattie, Senior State Department official (New York Times)

What’s next

The Senate Foreign Relations Committee will continue to review Jeremy Carl's nomination and decide whether to recommend him for confirmation.

The takeaway

The controversy surrounding Jeremy Carl's nomination reflects the growing influence of 'national conservatism' and concerns about the erosion of white identity within the Republican Party. His views on race and identity are seen as incompatible with the State Department's mission, raising questions about the direction of the Trump administration's foreign policy agenda.