Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Darren Beattie

Controversies are a part of history. Explore the biggest scandals linked to Darren Beattie.

Darren Jeffrey Beattie is an American conservative author and diplomat. As of 2025, he serves as the acting Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Controversies & Scandals

2016: Attendance at HL Mencken Club conference

In 2016, Darren Beattie attended a meeting of the HL Mencken Club conference where white nationalists were present. He gave an academic speech and claimed he made no offensive remarks.

2016: Participation in conference with white nationalist speakers

In 2016, Darren Beattie participated in a conference featuring white nationalist speakers, which later resurfaced in 2018 during his time as a speechwriter in the White House.

August 2018: Departure from the White House

In August 2018, it was reported that Darren Beattie no longer worked at the White House after his attendance at a 2016 meeting with white nationalists resurfaced.

2018: White House Speechwriter Controversy

In 2018, Darren Beattie's participation in a 2016 conference with white nationalist speakers resurfaced, impacting his role as a speechwriter in the White House during the first Trump administration.

November 2020: Appointment to U.S. Commission for the Preservation of America's Heritage Abroad

In November 2020, Darren Beattie was appointed by Trump as a member of the U.S. Commission for the Preservation of America's Heritage Abroad, which drew objections from various organizations.

October 2021: Promotion of Ray Epps conspiracy theory

As early as October 2021, Darren Beattie promoted the conspiracy theory that Ray Epps was a federal agent provocateur.

January 2022: Forced resignation from U.S. Commission

In January 2022, the Biden administration forced Darren Beattie to resign from his position on the U.S. Commission for the Preservation of America's Heritage Abroad.

August 2024: Endorsement of Ray Epps conspiracy theory

As of August 2024, Darren Beattie continued to endorse the conspiracy theory that Ray Epps was a federal agent provocateur.

September 2024: Suggestion of U.S. Intelligence involvement in assassination attempts on Trump

In September 2024, Darren Beattie suggested that the U.S. Intelligence Community was more likely than Iran to be behind the assassination attempts on Trump.

October 2024: Tweet about "competent white men"

In October 2024, Darren Beattie tweeted about the need for "competent white men" to be in charge, a statement that The Atlantic described as white nationalist.