The US Senate Foreign Relations Committee held a confirmation hearing for Leo Brent Bozell III, President Trump’s nominee for ambassador to South Africa. The hearing saw Bozell face largely favorable questioning from Republicans and intense scrutiny from Democrats.

Committee chairman, Republican Jim Risch, emphasized the significance of the US-South Africa relationship, stating it is at a crossroads. Risch urged Bozell, if confirmed, to engage with the South African government to advance US interests and challenge the status quo that is detrimental to both South Africans and America’s relationships with the country. Risch cited concerns over corruption, South Africa’s leaders picking fights with Washington, and its deepening ties with Iran, China, and Russia, which come at the expense of US allies like Taiwan and Israel.

Ranking Democrat on the committee, Jeanne Shaheen, took issue with the administration’s view that South Africa has committed genocide against white Afrikaners, arguing this stance only serves to spread anti-American sentiment and promotes China, making the US less safe.

Bozell, founder of the conservative Media Research Center, highlighted his family’s dedication to public service, mentioning his uncles, William F. Buckley Jr. and James L. Buckley. He expressed respect for the South African people and pledged to communicate US objections to South Africa’s geostrategic drift towards competitors like Russia, China, and Iran. Bozell also promised to press South Africa to end proceedings against Israel before the International Court of Justice and support the President’s call for South Africa to rescind its support for the expropriation of private property without compensation.

During the hearing, Democrats questioned Bozell about the administration’s immigration policy favoring the admission of Afrikaans-speaking white South Africans. Bozell responded by stating he is committed to serving America and carrying out the President’s requests. Republican Mike Lee defended Bozell, citing his lifelong commitment to defending truth, free speech, individual liberty, and private enterprise.

The confirmation hearing highlights the complexities and challenges in the US-South Africa relationship. As the process moves forward, it remains to be seen how Bozell’s nomination will be received and what implications it may have for the relationship between the two countries. The US Senate will continue to review Bozell’s nomination, and a decision is expected in the coming weeks.