In a gripping Senate confirmation hearing held on July 9, U.S. President Donald Trump's nominee for ambassador to Singapore, Dr. Anjani Sinha, found himself under fire from Illinois Senator Tammy Duckworth. The exchange was intense, lasting nearly seven minutes and highlighting significant discrepancies in Sinha's knowledge of Singapore’s diplomatic and economic landscape.

Doubts Raised Over Qualifications

Senator Duckworth, a combat veteran and passionate advocate for U.S. interests abroad, opened the session with a pointed critique: "This is not a role you can just pick up on a whim because it looks glamorous. I don't think you're particularly qualified for this position, and I'm worried your lack of understanding could unintentionally cause friction in our crucial relationship with Singapore. I have my doubts about your ability to lead our mission there effectively."

Trade Deficit or Surplus?

The senator pressed on, seeking clarity about the trade relationship between the U.S. and Singapore. When asked about the state of the trade surplus in 2024, Sinha stumbled significantly, misstating the U.S. surplus by a staggering factor of ten. Duckworth did not hold back in her criticism, saying, "You're off by a huge factor." This misstep underscored concerns about Sinha's preparedness for the ambassadorial role.

Tariffs Under Fire

The hearing saw a contentious back-and-forth regarding U.S. tariffs on Singapore. Duckworth challenged Sinha directly: "Do you support the President's plan to impose a 10 percent tariff on Singaporean goods?" Sinha's evasive answers—stating his support for free trade while cautiously sidestepping a direct response—left many wondering where he truly stood.

ASEAN Chairmanship Confusion

Duckworth's interrogation continued as she pressed Sinha on Singapore's future role as chair of the ASEAN grouping. When asked about the responsibilities that came with this position, Sinha was unable to provide a satisfactory answer, leading Duckworth to declare, "You’re not answering my question, sir." The tension was palpable as her frustration grew.

Homework Not Done?

In a pivotal moment, Duckworth pushed Sinha to detail how the U.S. Navy collaborates with Singapore. However, he could only provide vague, general answers. Duckworth’s exasperation was evident as she insisted, "You’ve not even done your homework, sir. This nation is too important to the United States and the region to take lightly."

Concerns for the Future

As the hearing reached its conclusion, Senator Duckworth expressed serious concerns about Sinha's qualifications: "I have larger concerns about you being unqualified for this critical role. Singapore is not just a beautiful country; it represents a vital alliance in our efforts against significant adversaries in the region."