Who Is Jeremy Carl, Trump’s Nominee to Lead the State Department?

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by Clyde McGrady

February 13, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Jeremy Carl, President Trump's nominee to lead the State Department’s outreach to international organizations, faced intense scrutiny at his confirmation hearing due to his controversial views on “white erasure” and white identity. During the hearing, Carl struggled to articulate his stance on these issues, which he had previously written about extensively in a book. When pressed by senators, he clumsily compared aspects of white culture—such as food, music, and worship styles—to those of Black culture, ultimately arguing that the decline of white dominance in American society is weakening the country. This perspective aligns with the broader intellectual framework of the “New Right” movement, which has gained traction in recent years. Carl’s halting defense of his theory did not sit well with many senators. Republican Senator John Curtis of Utah, who chairs the subcommittee on democracy and human rights, immediately opposed Carl’s nomination following the hearing, accusing him of making “insensitive remarks” about Jewish people. These comments, combined with Carl’s promotion of white identity politics, have thrown his confirmation into jeopardy. Despite this, the White House remains supportive of Carl, praising his qualifications and past work during Trump’s first term. Carl has since attempted to defend himself on social media, claiming that his views on white culture are simply about acknowledging its historical prevalence in America before 1965 immigration reforms altered the demographic landscape. He maintains that his stance is not aligned with white nationalism but rather reflects a recognition of historical realities. However, critics argue that his comments reinforce harmful stereotypes and could undermine efforts to promote diversity and inclusion both domestically and internationally. This controversy highlights broader tensions within Trump’s administration over how to address issues of race, identity, and cultural representation in foreign policy. If confirmed, Carl would play a key role in shaping the State Department’s engagement with international organizations, potentially influencing global perceptions of American values and policies. The outcome of his nomination will likely have significant implications for U.S. relations with other countries and its ability to promote human rights and democracy abroad. The debate over Carl’s nomination also underscores the ongoing struggle within conservative circles over how to balance traditional cultural narratives with modern ideals of inclusivity and diversity

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Originally published on NYT Homepage on 2/13/2026