Dr Anjani Sinha, an Indian-born Florida surgeon and businessman, whom President Donald Trump picked for the post of US ambassador to Singapore, was grilled at the Senate confirmation as he appeared to know nothing about Singapore. He was told to shape up and do some homework as the post is not just a glamor job where he gets to stay in Singapore. The video of Dr Sinha’s grilling by Illinois Democrat Senator Tammy Duckworth went viral. Facing the heat, Dr Sinha admitted that he was not an expert in global affairs or trade but an orthopedic and sports surgeon who has been a lifelong bridge builder.Duckworth asked Dr Sinha if he knew the size of the United States trade surplus with Singapore. Dr Sinha said $80 billion first and then revised it to $18 billion. Duckworth informed him it was actually $2.8 billion.“When is Singapore going to be the ASEAN chair?” Dr Sinha was then asked. Dr Sinha said he did not know and was informed that the correct answer will be 2027. “What does holding the chairmanship entail for Singapore? Can you name one thing?” Duckworth said making it clear that she was trying to help him. “I just feel you are not taking this seriously,” she rebuked Dr Sinha. “You think this is a glamour posting—that you’re going to live a nice life in Singapore—when what we need is someone who can actually do the work.““You are not currently prepared for this posting, period, and you need to shape up and do some homework,” she said. Dr Sinha’s nomination was first announced by Donald Trump in March, when the US President praised him as a “highly respected entrepreneur”. “I have no doubt that Anji will strongly represent our Nation’s Interests, and put America First. Congratulations Anji!” said Trump in a Truth Social post.
Who is Dr Anjani Sinha?
Dr Sinha was born in India and also studied in India’s Delhi University. He is referred to as ‘Anji’ in a State Department document that details his credentials. “Dr Anji Sinha is a preeminent surgeon on the East Coast specializing in orthopedics and sports medicine. He is an accomplished entrepreneur, having built multiple thriving key-man practices with specialized teams across eight locations in New York, and has served as a senior surgical consultant in Florida,” it said adding that his wife Dr Kiki Sinha is a benefactor of various institutions of higher education in US and also in India. Will Dr Sinha’s nomination now be canceled?According to experts, the prospect of Dr Sinha who is known to be a friend of the President because of the their Florida connection has the chance of becoming the Singapore envoy as Republican leader Lindsey Graham controls the committee’s decision and the GOP has a Senate majority.
