Dr Anjani Sinha, nominated by US President Donald Trump to be the next ambassador to Singapore, faced a tough round of questioning during his Senate confirmation hearing on July 9.
The hearing was held by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and included four other nominees. But Dr Sinha came under the spotlight when Democratic Senator Tammy Duckworth questioned his knowledge of Singapore and the region.
Opening remarks and early confidence
In his opening statement, Dr Sinha thanked President Trump for the nomination and Senator Marco Rubio for his support. He described Singapore as a key strategic partner and friend in the Indo-Pacific region.
Dr Sinha said that if confirmed, he planned to expand defence and security cooperation, strengthen economic ties, and enhance people-to-people relations with Singapore.
Things took a turn
However, the hearing soon took a sharp turn. Senator Duckworth told Dr Sinha that the role of ambassador is not for those looking for a glamorous posting or a pleasant place to live. She warned that a lack of understanding could harm the important relationship between the United States and Singapore.
She then asked him, “How large was the US trade surplus with Singapore in 2024?”
Dr Sinha first guessed 80 billion US dollars, then changed his answer to 18 billion. Senator Duckworth corrected him, saying the actual figure was 2.8 billion.
“You are off by a huge factor,” she said.
She followed up by asking how he would explain the Trump administration’s threat to impose tariffs of up to 25 per cent on Singapore, especially when the United States enjoys a trade surplus. Singapore had already been hit with a 10 per cent tariff in April.
Dr Sinha did not answer directly. He said he would maintain dialogue with the Singapore government and leaders to resolve trade issues.
When asked if he supported the tariffs, Dr Sinha again did not give a clear answer. He said he supported President Trump’s approach to free trade and believed the president was simply resetting trade numbers through dialogue.
Could not answer basic facts
Senator Duckworth then asked when Singapore would next hold the ASEAN chairmanship. Dr Sinha could not answer. Duckworth provided the correct response: 2027.
She asked what would be important to Singapore during its chairmanship. Dr Sinha gave a broad reply that was criticised for lacking substance.
When questioned about specific examples of US Navy cooperation with Singapore, Dr Sinha was unable to name any. Duckworth appeared frustrated, saying, “I’m trying to help you here, but you’ve not even done your homework, sir.”
She reminded the committee that Singapore is one of the United States’ most important allies in the Indo-Pacific region, especially in the effort to counter China’s influence.
“This is too important a posting to be treated as a glamour position,” she said.
Support from Republican senators
Despite the difficult exchange, some Republican senators spoke up for Dr Sinha.
Senator Lindsey Graham praised Dr Sinha’s medical background and his ties to President Trump, calling him a good fit to represent US interests in Singapore. He mentioned Singapore’s strong medical sector, which he said would align with Dr Sinha’s experience as a physician and entrepreneur.
Senator Pete Ricketts also supported Dr Sinha. He shared that he had met with Singapore leaders, including Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan, earlier this year. He asked Dr Sinha how he would strengthen the US-Singapore partnership.
Dr Sinha said he would build strong personal relationships with Singapore officials and deepen cooperation in defence, security and trade. He also pointed out that both he and Minister Balakrishnan are doctors who studied at the same medical school.
Trying to make a connection, Dr Sinha added that their wives are also physicians and that their children are either doctors or lawyers. However, this was factually incorrect. According to CNA, Mrs Balakrishnan is not a doctor. She is an educator who does full-time community service.
Who is Dr Anjani Sinha?
Dr Sinha is an orthopaedic and sports medicine surgeon based on the US East Coast. According to the US State Department, he is also an “accomplished entrepreneur” who built successful medical practices.
He studied at MGM Medical School and Delhi University in India and holds a Master’s degree in Orthopaedic Surgery.
President Trump announced his nomination back in March, calling him “a highly respected entrepreneur” with “an incredible family.” Trump also said the relationship between the US and Singapore is vital, and that Dr Sinha would “put America first.”
Dr Sinha’s nomination will still need to be approved by the full Senate before he can officially take on the role of ambassador.
