Tyler Cherry, newly appointed as associate communications director in the Biden administration, has responded to a controversy stemming from old social media posts. These posts, made years ago, have sparked significant criticism from conservative circles.
Cherry addressed the issue on Sunday, emphasizing that his past posts do not reflect his current views and reaffirming his commitment to the Biden administration’s agenda, particularly focusing on climate and environmental policies.
The controversy began after Politico reported Cherry’s promotion from his former role as communications director at the Interior Department. Screenshots of posts from 2014 and 2015 started circulating, showcasing Cherry’s strong criticisms of law enforcement, calls to abolish ICE, and support for anti-Israel organizations.
Cherry’s response to the backlash included a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter, where he distanced himself from his past remarks, asserting that his current views are aligned with the administration’s goals.
Biden Administration’s Tyler Cherry Addresses Backlash Over Old Social Media Posts
Significantly, the posts in question are no longer visible on Cherry’s X account, as any posts predating April 2022 have been deleted. This makes independent verification of the circulating screenshots impossible.
Despite this, the controversy has been fueled by posts that allegedly show Cherry criticizing the police system and supporting Palestine during the 2014 Gaza War. Cherry’s professional background includes a tenure at the Interior Department and activism in LGBTQ+ rights.
Conservative commentators have seized on Cherry’s past posts, questioning his suitability for his current role and criticizing the Biden administration’s decision to promote him. Some see the posts as indicative of a broader ideological stance within the administration, while others view them as youthful indiscretions that should not overshadow his professional capabilities.
Cherry’s statement on X prompted further queries from users, demanding clarification on which views he no longer holds.
Despite the backlash, the Biden administration has shown strong support for Cherry. White House senior deputy press secretary Andrew Bates expressed pride in having Cherry on the team, reinforcing the administration’s stance amidst the criticism.
This support mirrors previous instances where Cherry faced attacks, including criticisms related to his appearance and professional demeanor, highlighting the administration’s continued backing of Cherry in the face of public scrutiny.
