Hearings to examine the nominations of Amer Ghalib, of Michigan, to be Ambassador to the State of Kuwait, Brent Christensen, of Virginia, to be Ambassador to the People's Republic of Bangladesh, Benjamin Leon, Jr., of Florida, to be Ambassador to the Kingdom of Spain, and to serve concurrently and without additional compensation as Ambassador to the Principality of Andorra, Leo Brent Bozell III, of Virginia, to be Ambassador to the Republic of South Africa, and Morvared Namdarkhan, of Texas, to be an Assistant Secretary (Consular Affairs), all of the Department of State.

Committee on Foreign Relations

2025-10-23

Source: Congress.gov

Summary

This meeting served as a confirmation hearing for several ambassadorial nominees and a nominee for Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs, allowing senators to review their qualifications, past statements, and policy priorities before a vote. Senators raised questions regarding international relations, economic partnerships, and controversial past remarks made by some nominees.

Themes

Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs: Amer Ghalib

Amer Ghalib, nominee for Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs, outlined his priorities: ensuring the safety and security of American citizens overseas, upholding the integrity of the immigration system through visa adjudications, and improving efficiency in operations, particularly passport services[ 00:10:45-00:11:45 ]

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. However, he faced intense scrutiny over past controversial statements and social media activity, including alleged justifications of the October 7th attacks against Israel, denials of sexual violence reports, calling Saddam Hussein a "martyr," and "liking" a Facebook comment comparing Jews to monkeys. Mr. Ghalib defended his actions, stating some comments were "misinterpreted" or made as a "private citizen" in a "moment of anger," and he apologized if his remarks offended anyone. He affirmed that he condemns all October 7th atrocities, passed an anti-Semitism resolution as mayor, now supports the Abraham Accords, and will implement President Trump's policies without objection[ 00:41:52-00:42:24 ]

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[ 01:38:22 ]

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. Senators also raised concerns about visa backlogs and the State Department's capacity for passport and visa fraud prevention.

Ambassador to South Africa: Leo Brent Bozell

Leo Brent Bozell, nominee for Ambassador to South Africa, was introduced with praise for his advocacy for free speech and his family's public service legacy. Mr. Boesel acknowledged the "challenging inflection point" in U.S.-South Africa relations and committed to addressing South Africa's "geostrategic drift" toward countries like Russia, China, and Iran. He pledged to communicate U.S. objections to South Africa's legal actions against Israel in the International Court of Justice, which he called an "injustice". He also stated he would advance the President's invitation to Afrikaners facing "unjust racial discrimination". When pressed on whether the U.S. should have a race-based refugee policy, he declined to answer, stating his role is to implement the President's directives. Discussions also covered the potential for U.S.-South Africa cooperation in processing critical minerals to counter Chinese influence, despite challenges such as South Africa's unstable electrical grid[ 00:59:39-01:00:00 ]

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Ambassador to Spain and Andorra: Benjamin Leon

Benjamin Leon, nominated as Ambassador to Spain and Andorra, was introduced as an embodiment of the "American dream," having fled Cuba and built successful businesses and philanthropic endeavors. His priorities include ensuring the safety of American citizens, enhancing economic and trade relations, deepening security and defense cooperation with Spain as a NATO ally, and promoting human rights and democratic values. Senator Risch questioned him on Spain's failure to meet NATO's 5% defense spending target. Mr. Leon acknowledged the concern and committed to diligently working with the Spanish government to address this commitment[ 00:36:20-00:36:53 ]

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Ambassador to Bangladesh: Brent Christensen

Brent Christensen, nominee for Ambassador to Bangladesh, highlighted his extensive experience in the Indo-Pacific region, including a previous tour in Dhaka. He noted Bangladesh's "pivotal point" with upcoming elections and the U.S. support for its democratic future and economic potential. Mr. Christensen also discussed the large Rohingya refugee population, emphasizing the need for increased international support and efficient aid delivery due to unsustainable U.S. funding. Addressing concerns about Bangladesh's growing military cooperation with China, he committed to highlighting the risks of Chinese involvement and the benefits of closer partnership with the U.S.[ 00:50:14-00:50:27 ]

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Tone of the Meeting

The meeting began with a formal and supportive tone during the introductions of the nominees, acknowledging their willingness to serve. However, the atmosphere quickly became contentious and challenging, particularly during the questioning of Mr. Ghalib and Mr. Boesel. Senators expressed "grave concerns" and "disappointment," demanding direct answers and clarification on past statements and policy alignments. The exchanges with Mr. Ghalib were particularly sharp, with senators accusing him of evasiveness and being unfit for the role. Similarly, Mr. Boesel's reluctance to provide personal views on race-based policies was met with frustration and accusations of being non-responsive.

Participants

Transcript

lost passport, visa adjudications, international child custody disputes, international adoptions, or support in emergency situations.  And I will just tell you that I have had all of those examples in my office.  But we will turn to you for information and assistance in resolving these kinds of challenges.  Mr. Boesel, as the chairman indicated, our relationship with South Africa is at a challenging inflection point.   I don't share this administration's view that South Africa has committed genocide against white Afrikaners.  I think this is a dangerous slope, and I think this kind of attack only helps spread anti-American sentiments and promotes China and makes our country less safe.  We need strong relationships with our allies and partners to confront the PRC to build economic prosperity and to strengthen trade ties.   Mr. Ghalib, I must say I have grave concerns about some of the statements that you have made, particularly those that seem to justify the October 7th attack against Israel.  Local reporting quotes you as saying that reports of sexual violence committed by Hamas on October 7th were lies and deception.  I can tell you I have seen video, and I am very clear that those were not lies and deception.   I find this statement offensive, if true, and I'm sure that many of my colleagues here today, some of whom have traveled to Israel in the wake of the attacks, would agree.  Today I expect to hear from you an unequivocal condemnation of the horrific crimes committed on October the 7th.  Mr. Leon, Spain is an important NATO ally and a bilateral partner for the U.S., so today I hope you'll address how you plan to foster that partnership if confirmed.   And finally, Mr. Christensen, Bangladesh is a country undergoing immense change, and I'm pleased that you've served in the Indo-Pacific region before, and in fact that you've served in Bangladesh before.
Your knowledge and expertise will be essential in helping us address regional security and migration issues.  So again, thank you to all of our nominees.  I look forward to hearing from you today.  Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Thank you, Senator Shaheen.   I'm going to start with Ms. Namdar.  I've got a couple of introductions, sorry.
Senator Lee, you're up.  Thank you so much, Mr. Chairman.  It is my honor and great pleasure to introduce and offer my full, wholehearted support for the nomination of my friend, Mr. Brent Boesel, to be the U.S.  Ambassador to South Africa.   Mr. Boesel has spent his entire life defending truth and exemplifying the values of our great nation.  His life's work has shaped the media landscape in a favorable way, in a way reflecting his unwavering commitment to free speech, to individual liberty, and to private enterprise.  Brent's been an America First pioneer   from the very beginning and a lifelong champion of the freedoms that we hold dear.  He founded the Media Research Center in 1987.  Ever since then, the Media Research Center has successfully archived, recorded, and monitored hundreds of thousands of hours of televised media.   In the era of the internet, it's also documented thousands of cases of online censorship.  We owe a great debt of gratitude to the MRC and to Mr. Boesel for the data and myriad educational resources that have shaped the press and online platforms, and done so in a way consistent with the First Amendment, where the antidote to problematic speech is more speech, not censorship.   Besides his success at MRC and related activities, Mr. Boesel is an esteemed author, columnist, and publisher.  As a writer, he's authored a national bestseller, and his biweekly column appeared for 25 years across numerous major outlets throughout the country.  He holds a degree in history from the University of Dallas and was awarded an honorary PhD by his alma mater in 2015.   But of all these achievements, his most remarkable endeavor is his family.
He is a dedicated husband, father of five children, and grandfather of 17 grandchildren.  I have no doubt that upon his confirmation, Mr. Boesel will build upon our relationship with South Africa and enhance American interests in Pretoria.   We're at a crossroads with that particular strategic partner, and it's more important than ever for the U.S. to craft a rigorous diplomatic strategy related to South Africa.  What was once the party of Nelson Mandela, the African National Congress, has now lost ground in South Africa, and the coalition government is on a course that could upend decades.   of democratic progress and unravel the U.S.-South African relationship in significant ways, from the unjust treatment of Afrikaners to leading the unfounded case against Israel's defensive war in Gaza.  I trust that Mr. Boesel can chart a new course, one that prioritizes U.S. interests first and foremost.   advocates for the fair treatment of minority Afrikaners, and stands with our ally, Israel.  There is great potential for deepening economic development and security cooperation with South Africa.  And I'm more than confident that Mr. Boesel has the experience, the tenacity, the personal skills to realize this potential.   It really is a privilege to know Mr. Boesel and to witness his successes firsthand.  He'll be an asset to the America First foreign policy vision.  And I look forward to each of you getting to know him today, as I have, and even more so to his confirmation to serve in South Africa.  Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

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