The Senate approved a 97-nominee package by a 53-43 party-line vote, confirming Brent Bozell III as U.S. ambassador to South Africa. Bozell was earlier nominated to lead the U.S. Agency for Global Media but that nomination was withdrawn in March. Critics cite Bozell’s 1980s remarks about Black anti-apartheid activists and other aspects of his public record as reasons he may be poorly suited to the diplomatic role. Observers warn his appointment comes at a fragile moment in U.S.-South Africa relations and could further strain ties.
Senate Confirms Brent Bozell III as U.S. Ambassador to South Africa After Controversial 97-Nominee Vote
The Senate on Thursday night confirmed a 97-person package of President Trump’s nominees by a 53-43 party-line vote, using a recently revised procedural tool that lets the majority approve multiple nominees en bloc rather than considering each nomination individually.
Among those approved was Brent Bozell III, founder of the conservative Media Research Center, who was confirmed as U.S. ambassador to South Africa. The package also included former Rep. Anthony D’Esposito of New York, nominated to be inspector general at the Labor Department.
Bozell’s confirmation drew scrutiny because he was earlier this year nominated to lead the U.S. Agency for Global Media; that nomination was withdrawn by the White House in March. Critics point to reporting from TPM that says Bozell, in the 1980s, criticized Black activists who opposed apartheid in South Africa, and to analysis from Media Matters describing elements of his public rhetoric as inconsistent with the norms expected of a career diplomat.
Leo Brent Bozell III before a Senate Committee on Foreign Relations hearing on his pending nomination to be U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of South Africa on Oct. 23, 2025 on Capitol Hill.(Rod Lamkey, Jr. / AP Photo)
The confirmation comes at a sensitive time in U.S.-South Africa relations. Diplomatic ties have cooled in recent months amid disagreements over policy and rhetoric, and some analysts warn that appointing a high-profile conservative activist with a contentious record could further complicate the bilateral relationship.
Supporters of the confirmation argue that ambassadors are political appointees and that Bozell’s experience as a media organization leader and conservative communicator qualifies him for the post. Opponents counter that his past statements and the withdrawn USAGM nomination raise legitimate questions about his suitability for a sensitive diplomatic assignment.
Senate Republicans used the altered confirmation procedure to move the large package before the holiday recess. The 53-43 vote highlighted the partisan divide over both the process and several individual nominees.
Reporting notes: The vote and procedural change were reported by NBC News; background reporting and criticism of Bozell’s record were highlighted by TPM and Media Matters.
