Sen. John Curtis to Block Trump’s State Department Nominee

Senator John Curtis (R-Utah) has voiced his opposition to President Donald Trump’s nominee Jeremy Carl for a high-level position in the State Department. This decision could effectively derail Carl’s nomination.

Concerns Over Nominee’s Views

During a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing on January 28, 2026, Curtis raised serious concerns about Carl’s remarks regarding Israel. He cited Carl’s “insensitive remarks about the Jewish people” as a primary reason for his opposition.

Curtis stated, “After reviewing his record and participating in today’s hearing, I do not believe that Jeremy Carl is the right person to represent our nation’s best interests in international forums.” He emphasized that Carl’s anti-Israel views were unbecoming for the role he was nominated to fill.

Background on Jeremy Carl

Jeremy Carl, nominated in June 2025 to serve as assistant secretary of state for international organizations, is currently a senior fellow at the Claremont Institute’s Center for the American Way of Life. His focus includes issues related to immigration and nationalism.

• Carl has raised questions about U.S. aid to Israel.
• He has faced criticism for some of his remarks regarding Jews, particularly concerning Holocaust references.
• His podcast comments have been labeled as antisemitic by critics.

Contentious Comments and Actions

Carl’s reputation has been further tainted by statements promoting the white nationalist “great replacement theory.” In addition, he authored a book entitled “The Unprotected Class: How Anti-White Racism Is Tearing America Apart,” published in 2024.

Reports in September revealed that Carl had deleted numerous controversial social media posts, which included extreme rhetoric and calls for violence against political opponents.

Political Context

Senator Mike Lee, who also serves on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, has not publicly stated his position on Carl’s nomination. He did not engage during the recent hearing.

Curtis’s critique of Carl reflects a broader trend of distancing from the Trump administration, especially following recent controversial incidents, such as the racist video shared by Trump that criticized former President Obama and Michelle Obama. Curtis condemned the video as “blatantly racist and inexcusable.”

Conclusion

Senator John Curtis’s opposition to Jeremy Carl’s nomination could have significant repercussions for the Trump administration’s influence on State Department appointments. As conversations about race and international relations continue to evolve, Curtis’s stance may align with a growing faction within the GOP that is willing to challenge the party line.