Nomination of little-known business figure sparks curiosity in Washington

US President Donald Trump has named entrepreneur Anji Sinha as his choice for the next United States Ambassador to Singapore, announcing the nomination on Truth Social on March 11.

“I am pleased to announce Dr Anji Sinha as the next US Ambassador to Singapore,” Trump wrote. “Anji is a highly respected entrepreneur with an outstanding family! The US-Singapore relationship is crucial, and I know Anji will represent our country’s interests with strength. Congratulations, Anji!”

Despite Trump’s endorsement, Dr Sinha remains an unfamiliar figure in Washington, with no significant online or social media presence. Many political observers admitted they had not heard of her before the announcement. The Straits Times has contacted the US Embassy in Singapore and the US State Department for further information.

Other Key Nominations and Potential Challenges
Dr Sinha joins other recently announced diplomatic nominees, including former Georgia Senator David Perdue for ambassador to China and Oregon businessman George Glass for Japan. All three nominations require Senate confirmation.

While Trump’s Cabinet appointments have typically moved swiftly through the Republican-controlled Congress, the confirmation process for ambassadorial posts may be more complicated. Senator Brian Schatz, a Democrat from Hawaii and a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, has pledged to block all State Department nominations until USAID regains independent status.

With Republicans holding 53 of the 100 Senate seats, a simple majority is enough for confirmation. However, Democrats can still introduce procedural delays to slow the process.

Filling a Long-Vacant Role
Frank Lavin, former US ambassador to Singapore (2001-2005), welcomed the decision to appoint an envoy. “The US-Singapore relationship is essential, and selecting the right candidate is key. I’m confident the President has made a good choice and hope for a swift confirmation,” he said.

During Trump’s first term, the role remained unfilled. His initial nominee, K. T. McFarland, withdrew in 2018 due to controversies linked to a Russia investigation. In her absence, senior diplomats Stephanie Syptak-Ramnath and Rafik Mansour served as interim representatives.

Greg Poling, director of the South-east Asia Programme at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies, noted that having a nominee so early in Trump’s second term is a positive sign. “Many posts in the region were left vacant during his first term. Filling this one quickly suggests a more engaged approach.”

Other Key Appointments in Asia
On the same day, Trump also announced that Michael DeSombre, former ambassador to Thailand and a major Republican donor, will take on the role of assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific affairs, replacing career diplomat Daniel Kritenbrink.

“Michael did an excellent job as ambassador to Thailand during my first term,” Trump stated.

Poling added that DeSombre’s appointment could benefit South-east Asia, given his prior experience in the region.