Controversial Figure Heads US Peace Institute | JQJO

Darren Beattie, a former Trump White House speechwriter fired for attending a white nationalist conference, has been appointed acting president of the U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP). The appointment, made by USIP's board of directors, comes amidst the Trump administration's efforts to dismantle the agency. Beattie's past includes controversial statements and involvement with far-right media. His appointment has drawn criticism, with former USIP counsel condemning it as contradicting the organization's values. Beattie will continue his role at the State Department.