The confirmation hearing for Trump’s Singapore ambassador pick turned into a diplomatic disaster as Senator Tammy Duckworth exposed the nominee’s lack of preparation for one of America’s most strategically important postings.

On 9 July 2025, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee witnessed an extraordinary exchange that highlighted both the critical importance of Singapore to US interests and the concerning lack of preparation by President Trump’s nominee for ambassador to the Southeast Asian nation. Senator Tammy Duckworth, a decorated Iraq War veteran with deep personal connections to the region, delivered a withering assessment of Dr Anjani Sinha‘s qualifications for the crucial diplomatic role.

The heated exchange began when Duckworth questioned Sinha about basic facts regarding US-Singapore relations. The nominee’s responses revealed a troubling lack of understanding about the country he was nominated to represent America in. When asked about the US trade surplus with Singapore, Sinha initially claimed it was $80 billion before correcting himself to $18 billion – both figures wildly inaccurate compared to the actual $2.8 billion surplus in 2024.

A Senator with Singular Expertise

Tammy Duckworth’s authority on Southeast Asian affairs stems from her remarkable personal history with the region. Born in Bangkok, Thailand, in 1968, she spent her formative years across Southeast Asia, including Singapore, where she attended the Singapore American School in the 1980s as part of the basketball and track teams. Her father’s work with United Nations development programmes took the family throughout the region, providing Duckworth with firsthand experience of the cultural and political dynamics that shape modern Southeast Asia.

This background proved invaluable during her military service. Duckworth served in the Illinois Army National Guard for 23 years, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel in 2014. Her service included deployment to Iraq in 2004 as a Blackhawk helicopter pilot, where she was among the first Army women to fly combat missions during Operation Iraqi Freedom. On 12 November 2004, her helicopter was struck by a rocket-propelled grenade, resulting in the loss of both legs and partial use of her right arm. For her sacrifice, she received the Purple Heart and continued to serve her country in various capacities.

Singapore’s Strategic Importance

Duckworth’s fierce questioning of Sinha reflected her deep understanding of Singapore’s pivotal role in US strategic interests. During the hearing, she emphasised that Singapore is “one of the most important friends we have in the Indo-Pacific, a key place we’re going to be fighting against our greatest adversary in the region, the PRC [People’s Republic of China]”.

This assessment reflects Singapore’s unique position as a critical ally in an increasingly contested region. The island nation hosts nearly 1,000 US service members, civilians, and dependents, whilst maintaining the second-largest foreign military presence in the United States with 1,000 Singapore military personnel stationed across the country. The bilateral trade relationship reached $89.2 billion in 2024, supporting approximately 215,000 American jobs.

Singapore’s strategic value extends beyond military cooperation. The nation serves as a vital hub for US companies in the Indo-Pacific, with thousands of American businesses maintaining a presence there. The relationship has been formalised through the US-Singapore Free Trade Agreement, which entered into force in 2004 and was the first such agreement between the US and an Asian nation.

The Nominee’s Stumbles

Dr Anjani Sinha’s performance during the confirmation hearing raised serious concerns about his preparedness for the ambassadorial role. Beyond his incorrect understanding of trade figures, Sinha failed to answer basic questions about Singapore’s role in regional organisations. When Duckworth asked when Singapore would next chair the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Sinha was unable to provide the correct answer of 2027.

This lack of knowledge is particularly concerning given Singapore’s upcoming ASEAN chairmanship, which will coincide with the organisation’s 60th anniversary and represent a significant opportunity for US-Singapore cooperation on regional issues. Singapore’s leadership of ASEAN in 2027 will be crucial for advancing American interests in Southeast Asia, particularly in countering Chinese influence and promoting regional stability.

Duckworth’s frustration with Sinha’s responses was evident throughout the hearing. “You are not taking this seriously, you think this is a glamour posting, that you’re going to live a nice life in Singapore,” she told the nominee. “You are not currently prepared for this posting, period, and you need to shape up and do some homework”.

The Broader Context

The confirmation hearing took place against the backdrop of increased US focus on the Indo-Pacific region and growing tensions with China. Duckworth, as a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, has been a vocal advocate for strengthening US alliances in the region. Her extensive work on Indo-Pacific issues includes leading congressional delegations to South Korea and Taiwan, as well as visiting Vietnam and Thailand to strengthen bilateral relations.

Her criticism of Sinha reflects broader concerns about the importance of qualified diplomatic representation in strategically vital regions. Singapore’s role as a bridge between the Indian and Pacific Oceans, its position as a major financial hub, and its leadership within ASEAN make it a crucial partner for US interests in the region.

The Road Ahead

Despite Duckworth’s strong opposition, Sinha’s nomination is likely to proceed given Republican control of the Senate. However, the hearing has highlighted the critical importance of proper preparation for diplomatic roles, particularly in regions where American interests are increasingly at stake.

Duckworth’s intervention serves as a reminder of the complexity of modern diplomacy and the need for ambassadors who understand both the strategic importance of their postings and the nuances of bilateral relationships. Her deep personal connection to Singapore and broader Southeast Asian experience provided a unique perspective on what effective diplomatic representation should entail.

The exchange between Duckworth and Sinha also underscored the evolving nature of US-Singapore relations in an era of great power competition. As both nations navigate the challenges of maintaining their partnership whilst addressing regional security concerns, the quality of diplomatic representation becomes increasingly crucial.

For Singapore, the confirmation process highlighted both the strength of its relationship with the United States and the importance that American policymakers place on maintaining effective diplomatic ties. The nation’s upcoming ASEAN chairmanship and its continued role as a strategic partner in the Indo-Pacific will require skilled diplomatic engagement from both sides.

Tammy Duckworth’s performance during the confirmation hearing demonstrated the value of having legislators with deep regional expertise and personal connections to the areas they oversee. Her questioning not only exposed the nominee’s shortcomings but also reinforced the critical importance of Singapore to American strategic interests in the 21st century.

As the region continues to evolve and new challenges emerge, the relationship between the United States and Singapore will require the kind of informed, dedicated diplomatic engagement that Duckworth advocated for during her memorable confrontation with the unprepared nominee.