US Senate confirms Anjani Sinha as ambassador to Singapore amid scrutiny over qualifications

The United States Senate on 7 October, 2025, confirmed Anjani Sinha as the new ambassador to Singapore, voting 51-47 along party lines as part of a group of 48 Trump administration nominees.

Sinha’s appointment was included in the second bloc of nominees confirmed under a revised Senate process, which Republicans pushed through last month to bypass Democratic resistance and clear a backlog of stalled appointments.

The newly confirmed group included more than two dozen ambassadorial appointments, such as Sergio Gor for India and Herschel Walker for the Bahamas, as well as over a dozen US Attorneys and the reappointment of Paul Atkins as chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) through 2031.

Anjani Sinha, an East Coast-based orthopaedic surgeon and entrepreneur, has no formal diplomatic background. His confirmation came after a contentious Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing on 9 July, in which his readiness for the diplomatic post was sharply questioned.

During the Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing on 9 July, Sinha was questioned intensely by Democratic Senator Tammy Duckworth over his understanding of key US-Singapore relations. The senator expressed concern about what she described as his “lack of understanding” of the region.

In one notable exchange, Sinha was asked about the size of the US trade surplus with Singapore in 2024. He initially claimed it was US$80 billion, later revising his answer to US$18 billion. Senator Duckworth corrected him, stating the accurate figure was approximately US$2.8 billion.

Duckworth also questioned him on how he would explain President Trump’s threats to impose tariffs of up to 25 per cent on Singapore. Sinha did not provide a direct answer but stated he would "ensure dialogue continues" between both governments.

Pressed further on specific defence cooperation between the US and Singapore, Sinha struggled to provide concrete examples. Duckworth remarked that he had not "done his homework" and suggested he viewed the ambassadorship as a “glamour posting”.

Sinha was unable to answer when Singapore would next assume the ASEAN chairmanship, a key regional role, prompting Duckworth to supply the correct answer of 2027.

Despite the criticism, Sinha received strong support from Republican senators. Senator Lindsey Graham introduced him warmly, noting that he had known Sinha personally for many years and highlighting Singapore’s “vibrant medical community” as being well suited to Sinha’s background.

Republican Senator Pete Ricketts also defended Sinha, citing his own meeting with Singapore leaders, including Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan, and Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing, at the Shangri-La Dialogue earlier this year.

Sinha himself emphasised the personal relationships he hopes to build. “As a physician, I have been a long-time bridge builder,” he said. He pointed out shared backgrounds with Foreign Minister Balakrishnan, who is also a medical doctor, saying their families had similarities in professional pursuits.

However, CNA understands that Sinha’s claim that Mrs Joy Balakrishnan, the foreign minister’s wife, is a neurologist is inaccurate. She is an educator and long-time community service volunteer, previously serving as president of the Girl Guides Singapore and sitting on the boards of local non-profits.

Sinha reiterated his commitment to strengthening the US-Singapore partnership, stating: “Close cooperation with Singapore, along with our other allies and partners in the region, is more critical today than ever before.”

He promised to focus on enhancing defence and security ties, expanding economic engagement, and improving people-to-people connections. “My first priority will be to create a strong relationship with the Singapore government,” he added.

Following the Senate confirmation, Sinha will be expected to present his diplomatic credentials in Singapore. No date has yet been announced for his arrival.

This confirmation adds to a list of politically appointed ambassadors under President Trump, many of whom lack traditional diplomatic experience. Alongside Sinha, the Senate also confirmed Sergio Gor as ambassador to India and Sean O’Neill as ambassador to Thailand.

In a statement posted in March on Truth Social, Trump praised Sinha as a “highly respected entrepreneur” with “an incredible family”, affirming confidence in his ability to “put America first” while representing US interests abroad.

Under US law, ambassadors are nominated by the president and must be confirmed by the Senate following committee review and hearings. Upon confirmation, ambassadors are authorised to represent the president in the host country.

Sinha’s confirmation marks a new phase in US-Singapore diplomatic relations. However, the concerns raised during his hearing are likely to remain part of ongoing scrutiny as he begins his term.