Darren Beattie, a former speechwriter for Donald Trump who was fired in 2018 after CNN revealed his attendance at a conference with White nationalists, has been given a significant role at the State Department. Multiple sources confirmed his appointment as the acting Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs, a position crucial to shaping U.S. messaging on counterterrorism and extremism globally.

Beattie, who previously taught at Duke University, spoke at the 2016 H.L. Mencken Club gathering, an event known for attracting figures like Richard Spencer and Peter Brimelow. Despite defending his appearance as academic, Beattie was dismissed from the Trump administration following CNN’s report. After his exit, he founded Revolver News, a right-wing outlet notorious for spreading conspiracy theories, including false claims about the January 6 Capitol attack.

Since his appointment surfaced, Beattie’s past tweets have drawn sharp criticism. He has made racially charged remarks, including statements about “competent white men” needing to lead and praise for Dr. James Watson, who suggested Black people were less intelligent. Beattie has also targeted Black lawmakers and groups, urging them to “take a knee to MAGA.”

In one deleted tweet from January 6, he cheered rioters at the Capitol, writing, “The forgotten man speaks.” He has also expressed inflammatory views on foreign policy, including suggesting the U.S. should accept China’s takeover of Taiwan in exchange for concessions.

Despite his controversial history, Beattie remained a Trump loyalist. He was briefly appointed to a heritage preservation commission but was later dismissed by President Biden. His new role at the State Department underscores the administration’s combative approach to global diplomacy, raising questions about its impact on U.S. international relations.

Neither Beattie nor the State Department has commented on the appointment.