Anjani Sinha: Trump's pick for Singapore envoy grilled in Senate hearing
"I have no doubt that Anji will strongly represent our Nation's Interests, and put America First. Congratulations Anji!" said Trump in a Truth Social post, using a nickname for Dr Sinha.Born in India, Dr Sinha is an orthopaedics and sports medicine surgeon now based in Florida who started several clinics in New York.A US State Department report said his "native respect for both American and Asian values, and his deep social and cultural ties to the Indo-Pacific region", as well as his business expertise, "render him well qualified" for the posting.During the confirmation hearing by the Senate's foreign relations committee, he was introduced by Republican Senator Lindsey Graham as "a friend of President Trump for over a decade".In his introduction speech and answers to other senators' questions, Dr Sinha billed himself as a "lifelong bridge builder" and promised to "create a very strong relationship with Singapore" and "defend the defence, security and economic ties".
'More embarassador than ambassador'
But it is his exchange with Ms Duckworth, a senator with the Democratic Party, that has drawn the most scrutiny.Ms Duckworth began by asking him about Singapore's trade surplus with the US, which he initially answered as $80bn (£58.8bn) before changing his answer to $18bn. Ms Duckworth noted the correct answer was $2.8bn.When asked how he would convince Singaporeans of Trump's decision to slap a 10% tariff - a controversial topic in the island-state - Dr Sinha gave various answers before ending with "the dialogue is not closed".Ms Duckworth also questioned him about issues that would be important to Singapore, the country's upcoming chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) regional bloc, and the US Navy's presence in Singapore.Dr Sinha either did not know the answers or stumbled in his responses.At the end of the exchange Ms Duckworth appeared exasperated and said: "I just feel you are not taking this seriously."You think this is a glamour posting, that you're going to live a nice life in Singapore, when what we need is someone who can actually do the work."Noting that Singapore was a key US ally in the Indo-Pacific, she said: "You are not currently prepared for this posting, period, and you need to shape up and do some homework."The exchange has prompted a deluge of online comments from Singaporeans criticising Dr Sinha's performance and questioning his suitability to be the US ambassador."Not sure which is a worst insult, the tariffs or having him as an ambassador to Singapore," wrote one commenter."This guy is more 'Embarassador' then Ambassador," said another.Others praised Ms Duckworth, who had first come to Singaporeans' attention earlier this year when she grilled US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth during his confirmation hearing and he failed to name a single country in Asean.Despite the controversy, Dr Sinha's confirmation remains a strong possibility.With Republicans dominating the Senate and its committees, the foreign relations committee appears set to approve his nomination which would then tee up a full Senate vote.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Reuters
an hour ago
- Reuters
Fed's Powell asks watchdog to take fresh look at renovation project, Politico reports
WASHINGTON, July 14 (Reuters) - U.S. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell has asked the Fed board's inspector general to take a fresh look at the project aimed at overhauling Fed buildings, Politico reported on Monday, citing a letter to lawmakers by Powell. Powell called on the Fed's inspector general, Michael Horowitz, to examine the project's cost, which has ballooned to $2.5 billion, leading to allies of President Donald Trump to call for Powell to be held accountable. Trump has repeatedly criticized Powell over interest rates and said the Fed chair should resign, but the president does not have the power to fire him over a monetary policy dispute. Recent comments from White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett on criticism of the Fed's renovation costs have confirmed the view that the Trump administration is actively exploring those costs and Powell's testimony about the project as a possible avenue to try to fire the Fed chief well before his term as chair ends in May 2026. The lawmakers addressed in the reported Powell letter were Republican Senate Banking Chair Tim Scott and Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren, the top Democrat on the committee. "The Chairman looks forward to receiving additional information about the costly renovations at the Fed's headquarters," a spokesperson for Scott said in response to the reported letter, adding the letter was consistent with improving transparency. The Fed had no immediate comment. Powell wrote in the letter cited by Politico that the watchdog has had "full access to project information on costs, contracts, schedules, and expenditures and receives monthly reports on the construction program." Powell, who was nominated by Trump in late 2017 to lead the Fed and then nominated for a second term by then-President Joe Biden four years later, has said he intends to serve out his term as Fed chief, which ends on May 15.
Reuters
an hour ago
- Reuters
Russian rouble, stock market gain after Trump's statement on Russia
MOSCOW, July 14 (Reuters) - The Russian rouble reversed losses against the dollar and rose against China's yuan after U.S. President Donald Trump warned he would impose "very severe tariffs" on Russia if no deal on a peaceful settlement is made in 50 days. As of 1605 GMT, the rouble was 0.2% weaker at 78.10 per U.S. dollar after hitting 78.75 during the day, according to LSEG data based on over-the-counter quotes. The rouble is up about 45% against the dollar since the start of the year. Trump announced new weapons for Ukraine on Monday and threatened to hit buyers of Russian exports with sanctions, expressing frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin due to the lack of progress in ending the war in Ukraine. "Trump performed below market expectations," said analyst Artyom Nikolayev from Invest Era. "He gave 50 days during which the Russian leadership can come up with something and extend the negotiation track. Moreover, Trump likes to postpone and extend such deadlines." Against the Chinese yuan, the most traded foreign currency in Russia, the rouble strengthened 0.8% to 10.87 after weakening by over 1% on Friday. The Russian stock market rose 2.7% after Trump's statement, according to the Moscow Stock Exchange.
Times
2 hours ago
- Times
I created a golden visa for New Zealand — this is how to get them right
Golden visas have long been viewed with a mix of admiration and suspicion. Admiration for how they invite capital and talent into countries eager for investment; suspicion for how they've sometimes allowed bad actors to gain residency with minimal scrutiny. Donald Trump's proposed 'Trump Card' is proving to be polarising. If it goes ahead as planned, it would offer a fast track to legal status for wealthy immigrants investing $5 million and exempt card holders from federal income tax on foreign earnings. Colloquially known as a golden visa, these programs are more correctly referred to as 'residency by investment' visas. In simple terms, if one invests enough in an economy, they are offered a residency visa. The theory is that the investment will lead to greater economic output and more jobs — and the impact on the economy and standard of living in that country will be positive. • The end of Spain's golden visa: winners, losers and how to move now Golden visas can deliver meaningful benefits to countries, economies and citizens if administered correctly. I designed and launched one for New Zealand, called Greener Pastures New Zealand, which requires applicants to directly invest in New Zealand-managed funds or operating businesses. This is not a buy-a-passport scheme; it's an invitation to help to build a country that prizes innovation, transparency and long-term growth. • Read more expert advice on property, interiors and home improvement We work directly with high-net-worth individuals and families navigating this new landscape. We've seen growing demand from British and American citizens seeking not only lifestyle and economic opportunity, but geopolitical stability and alignment with their values. In today's world, people are looking for lifestyle, safety, political and economic stability. Much like diversifying one's investment portfolio, obtaining dual residency is a valid way to manage risk. Demand for these visas is increasing worldwide. It is estimated that more than 120,000 golden visas are issued annually globally and that number is rising. Theory does not always match reality, however. Around the world we have seen examples of governments that have administered the visa in a way that seeks to maximise the total investment balances raised, with little benefit. Examples of this include allowing the visa applicant to place funds in fixed-term deposits, or government bonds. Is the investment valid? Yes. Has the investment helped improve the economy and create jobs? No. • Spain doesn't want you? Here are the overseas places to buy a home in 2025 Any world leader looking at drawing up a golden visa programme should be asking themselves whether it aligns with national priorities. It shouldn't be about selling access, but encouraging investments that create jobs and drive innovation. The best programmes ask what the investor can do and whether the country fits them long term, rather than simply 'selling' a visa. Governments must design programmes built for permanence, not loopholes. Doing so allows the visa to be mutually beneficial for both the applicant and the offering country. The result is a visa that serves the nation. Dominic Jones is managing director of Greener Pastures New Zealand, a residency through investment adviser
