Checks by CNA on the US Congress website show that Adams’ nomination was “returned to the president under provisions of Senate Rule XXXI” on Jan 3. If a nomination is returned to the president, it is no longer eligible for consideration by the Senate.
Adams, a naturalised American citizen originally from Australia, was nominated for US ambassador to Malaysia by President Donald Trump on Jul 10 last year, among other ambassadorial choices that included Anjani Sinha for Singapore.
His nomination, however, was never confirmed by the Senate and lapsed at the end of the year. Adams’ name was missing from a list of nominations resubmitted to the Senate in January, as well as another submitted in February.
Adams was among nine civilian nominees who were not submitted in the second list to the Senate in February, according to a Bloomberg analysis of congressional records.
Nominations have been withdrawn for various reasons including clerical changes, additional responsibilities to the original role, or new opportunities, a White House official told Bloomberg Government earlier this month.
Adams’ nomination by Trump had sparked controversy due to reportedly misogynistic remarks he has made, as well as backlash over his public support for Israel in 2024.
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/malaysia-nick-adams-dropped-us-ambassador-donald-trump-5949321
