N※N

Stocks and Investing
Source : (remove) : Sunderland Echo
^{RSS • JSON • XML • CSV}

Stocks and Investing
Source : (remove) : Sunderland Echo
^{RSS • JSON • XML • CSV}

White House's gay social media chief slams Rosie O'Donnell: 'So much sound and so little sense'

White House Stands Firm: Defending Gay Social Media Official Amid Backlash Over Past Tweets

In a move that underscores the Biden administration's commitment to diversity and progressive values, the White House has come out in strong defense of one of its rising stars in the communications team: Tyler Cherry, a gay official recently promoted to a key role in the Interior Department. Cherry, who has been lauded for his expertise in digital strategy and social media, found himself at the center of a political firestorm this week after conservative critics unearthed a series of old tweets from his account dating back over a decade. These posts, which include sharp criticisms of law enforcement, support for Palestinian causes, and pointed remarks on immigration policies, have been weaponized by right-wing media outlets to question his fitness for public service. Yet, the administration's response has been unequivocal: Cherry's past statements reflect youthful activism, not his current professional ethos, and his contributions to the team far outweigh any outdated online rhetoric.

The controversy erupted shortly after Cherry's promotion was announced. At 31 years old, Cherry has built a reputation as a savvy communicator with a deep understanding of how to leverage social media for public engagement. His role involves crafting messaging for the Interior Department, which oversees critical areas like national parks, Native American affairs, and environmental policy. Sources within the administration describe him as a dedicated public servant whose work has helped amplify the Biden-Harris agenda on climate change and equity. But detractors, including prominent conservative figures and outlets like Fox News, have seized on tweets from 2014 and 2015 to paint a different picture. One such post, written in the wake of the Ferguson unrest following the police shooting of Michael Brown, stated, "Praying for a world where Black lives matter and police brutality is a thing of the past." Another, from around the time of heightened tensions in the Middle East, expressed solidarity with Palestinians, saying, "The occupation must end – justice for Gaza."

Critics argue that these statements reveal an anti-police bias and potentially divisive views on foreign policy, which they claim are incompatible with a position in the federal government. Republican lawmakers, including members of the House Oversight Committee, have called for investigations into Cherry's hiring and promotion, suggesting that his views could undermine national security or public trust in law enforcement. One GOP senator tweeted, "How can someone who cheered on the defund the police movement be trusted to represent the American people?" This backlash has been amplified on social media platforms, where hashtags like #FireTylerCherry have trended, often accompanied by homophobic undertones that subtly reference Cherry's sexual orientation.

The White House, however, has not backed down. In a statement released to the press, a senior administration official emphasized that Cherry has since deleted the controversial tweets and publicly disavowed them. "Tyler Cherry is a valued member of our team whose work advances the priorities of the American people," the statement read. "Like many young people, he expressed views in the past that he no longer holds. What matters is his proven track record of service and dedication to inclusive policies." Cherry himself addressed the uproar on his personal social media, posting, "My old tweets do not reflect who I am today. I've grown, learned, and am committed to serving all Americans with integrity." This response echoes similar defenses the administration has mounted for other officials facing scrutiny over past statements, highlighting a broader pattern of standing by diverse hires in the face of partisan attacks.

To understand the full context, it's worth delving into Cherry's background. Raised in a progressive household, Cherry came out as gay during his college years and became active in LGBTQ+ advocacy groups. He volunteered for organizations like the Human Rights Campaign and worked on campaigns promoting marriage equality before transitioning into government roles. His entry into the Biden administration came via the advance team, where he handled logistics and communications for high-profile events. Colleagues praise his ability to connect with younger demographics through platforms like TikTok and Instagram, where he's helped demystify complex policy issues. For instance, under his guidance, the Interior Department's social media has seen a surge in engagement on topics like conservation efforts and indigenous rights, with viral posts educating millions on the importance of protecting public lands.

This isn't the first time the Biden White House has navigated such controversies. The administration has made diversity a cornerstone of its hiring practices, appointing a record number of LGBTQ+ individuals to key positions. From Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg to Assistant Secretary for Health Rachel Levine, the team reflects a broad spectrum of identities and experiences. Supporters argue that this inclusivity strengthens governance by bringing varied perspectives to the table. "Attacking someone like Tyler Cherry isn't about his tweets; it's about silencing voices from marginalized communities," said Sarah McBride, a prominent LGBTQ+ advocate and Delaware state senator. "The right-wing outrage machine thrives on these distractions to avoid real policy debates."

Critics, however, see it differently. Organizations like the Heritage Foundation have compiled dossiers on Cherry's online history, pointing to posts that criticize ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) operations, such as one from 2015 that read, "Abolish ICE – no more family separations." They contend that such views could influence policy decisions at the Interior Department, which intersects with border lands and tribal territories. "This is about accountability, not identity," a conservative commentator argued on a recent cable news segment. "If the roles were reversed, Democrats would be demanding resignation."

Amid the debate, the story has sparked broader conversations about the permanence of social media and the evolving standards for public figures. In an era where digital footprints are forever, how much grace should be extended to past indiscretions? Experts in digital ethics note that many millennials and Gen Zers, like Cherry, came of age during a time of intense social activism online, from Occupy Wall Street to Black Lives Matter. "People change, and so do their views," said Dr. Elena Ramirez, a professor of media studies at Georgetown University. "Dismissing someone based on decade-old tweets ignores personal growth and the context of those times."

The White House's defense of Cherry also aligns with its broader pushback against what it calls "manufactured outrage" from the right. President Biden himself has faced similar scrutiny over historical statements, and the administration often frames these attacks as part of a larger culture war aimed at undermining progressive gains. In a recent press briefing, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre addressed the issue indirectly, stating, "We will not be distracted by attempts to divide us. Our focus remains on delivering for the American people, including protecting the rights of the LGBTQ+ community."

As the dust settles, Cherry continues his work undeterred, focusing on initiatives like the America the Beautiful challenge, which aims to conserve 30% of U.S. lands and waters by 2030. His story serves as a microcosm of the challenges faced by openly gay officials in government, where personal identities often become fodder for political battles. LGBTQ+ rights groups, such as GLAAD, have rallied in support, issuing statements condemning the "homophobic dog whistles" in the criticism. "Tyler Cherry's promotion is a win for representation," GLAAD's president said. "We stand with him against this baseless smear campaign."

Looking ahead, the controversy may fade, but it raises enduring questions about forgiveness in the public sphere. Will Cherry's career trajectory be defined by his past or his present contributions? For now, the White House's stance is clear: diversity isn't just a buzzword—it's a principle worth defending, even in the face of relentless opposition. As one administration insider put it, "Tyler's story is America's story: growth, resilience, and a commitment to a more inclusive future." In an increasingly polarized landscape, such defenses may become more common, testing the boundaries of political discourse and personal redemption.

This episode also highlights the double-edged sword of social media in politics. Platforms that empower voices can also preserve moments of passion that later haunt careers. For young professionals entering public service, Cherry's experience is a cautionary tale: curate your digital presence wisely, but don't let fear stifle authentic expression. As the 2024 election looms, expect more such battles, where personal histories collide with partisan agendas, shaping the narrative of who gets to serve in America's highest offices.

Read the Full Out Article at:
[ https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/white-houses-gay-social-media-195708207.html ]