A White House official, Tyler Cherry, has come under fire for controversial social media posts that have resurfaced, sparking debate over his suitability for his new role as associate communications director at the White House. Cherry, who previously worked at the Department of Interior under Secretary Deb Haaland, has faced criticism for posts attacking police, supporting the anti-Israel movement, and promoting 'Russiagate.'
One of Cherry's tweets from 2015, during the riots following the death of Freddie Gray, criticized what he called a 'capitalistic police state motivated by racial biases.' He also made statements linking modern policing to historical slave patrols and lynch mobs.
Cherry's vocal support for Palestinians and criticism of Israel have also drawn attention. In a post from 2014, he expressed solidarity with Gaza and called for an end to the occupation of Palestine, garnering both support and backlash.
Furthermore, Cherry has targeted Republicans in his posts, accusing them of promoting 'white grievance politics' and advocating for the abolition of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
In response to the controversy, Cherry has downplayed his past posts, attributing them to his younger self and stating that they do not reflect his current views. He affirmed his support for the Biden administration's agenda, particularly focusing on climate and environmental policies.
The White House has stood by Cherry, with senior deputy press secretary Andrew Bates expressing pride in having him on the team. However, the Biden administration's support for Israel amid its conflict with Hamas has caused tension with some progressive factions within the Democratic Party.
As the conflict between the Biden administration and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu escalates, criticisms of Netanyahu's leadership have mounted, particularly in light of the rising death toll in Gaza. The evolving dynamics between the U.S. and Israel continue to shape the political landscape.
