Dr Anjani Sinha, President Donald Trump’s nominee for ambassador to Singapore, faced intense scrutiny during his recent Senate confirmation hearing. The session, held on 9 July 2024, highlighted his lack of preparedness for this pivotal diplomatic role.
The Hearing
Democratic Senator Tammy Duckworth led the charge, questioning Dr Sinha’s knowledge about Singapore and expressing concern about his qualifications. “This is not a role you can just pick up on a whim or because you think it will be glamorous,” Duckworth stated, feeling that Sinha’s approach might damage the critical US-Singapore relationship.
Trade Surplus Miscalculation
- When asked about the US trade surplus with Singapore in 2024, Dr Sinha first mistakenly claimed it was $80 billion, then corrected himself to $18 billion.
- In reality, the US trade surplus stood at $2.8 billion, as Duckworth pointed out, questioning Sinha’s grasp of significant economic matters.
Tariffs and Trade Dialogue
Another pressing issue was the Trump administration’s tariffs on Singapore. Dr Sinha struggled to articulate how he would explain these tariffs to Singapore’s leaders, claiming he would ensure ongoing dialogue between the two nations. However, he did not directly answer whether he supported the tariffs.
Understanding ASEAN Leadership
Dr Sinha also faltered when asked about Singapore’s upcoming ASEAN chairmanship in 2027, which he failed to answer correctly. His vague responses to questions about Singapore’s strategic importance in ASEAN further underscored his lack of preparation.
Diplomatic Ties and Personal Connections
Senator Pete Ricketts, a Republican, noted Dr Sinha’s potential personal connections to Singaporean leaders, given both he and Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan are physicians. Dr Sinha emphasised the importance of building relationships, stating, “If confirmed, my duty will be to advance and implement US policies, and to promote US interests in Singapore…”.
Next Steps
Following the hearing, the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations will decide whether to endorse Dr Sinha’s nomination. Should it pass, the full Senate will then vote. If approved, Dr Sinha could soon represent the US in Singapore, a role he must prepare for with seriousness.