Conservative Group’s Influence Inside the State Department Raises Alarms
The New York Times • • world
Key Points:
- The Ben Franklin Fellowship, a conservative nonprofit founded by former U.S. diplomats, has raised concerns among veteran diplomats and congressional Democrats about its growing influence within the State Department.
- Critics allege the group is promoting an ideological approach to recruiting and advancing diplomats, favoring conservative policies and opposing pro-diversity initiatives that they claim undermine merit-based hiring.
- The fellowship organizes events with Republican officials, engages with academic institutions, and posts pro-Trump commentary, leading some to view it as a secretive effort to infuse Trump-aligned ideas into the traditionally nonpartisan diplomatic corps.
- Simon Hankinson, a co-founder and retired foreign service officer, rejects these criticisms as exaggerated and attributes the backlash to diplomats who have lost influence and are seeking a scapegoat.
