In recent news, Tyler Cherry, the former Interior Department communications director in the Biden administration, has been hired in a new role working on communications inside the Biden White House. Despite sparking controversy last year over social media posts attacking police, criticizing Republicans, and supporting the anti-Israel movement, Cherry has started as an associate communications director at the White House. Some of Cherry’s controversial social media posts included comments regarding law enforcement and the police state, as well as promoting the abolition of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and expressing support for Palestine during the Gaza War in 2014.
Amid riots following the death of Freddie Gray, an African American man, in police custody in Baltimore, Cherry posted on social media condemning what he called a capitalistic police state motivated by racial biases. He also made statements linking the modern police system to slave patrols and lynch mobs. In addition to his comments on law enforcement, Cherry expressed support for abolishing ICE and showed solidarity with Palestine during the Gaza War. Cherry’s past social media posts criticizing Republicans, specifically the Tea Party, for focusing on what he called “white grievance politics” have also drawn attention.
Despite the controversy surrounding Tyler Cherry’s past social media posts, the Biden White House expressed pride in having him on the team. In response to inquiries about Cherry’s hiring, White House senior deputy press secretary Andrew Bates defended the decision, stating that they are very proud to have Tyler on the team. Cherry’s appointment as an associate communications director at the White House comes after his tenure at the Interior Department working for Secretary Deb Haaland for over three years.
Tyler Cherry’s history of controversial social media posts has not gone unnoticed, with critics scrutinizing his comments on law enforcement, ICE, the Republican Party, and the Israel-Palestine conflict. While some have raised concerns about Cherry’s past statements, others have defended his right to hold and express opinions on various issues. The White House’s decision to hire Cherry despite the controversy reflects a commitment to diversity of perspectives within the administration and a willingness to embrace individuals with differing views.
As Tyler Cherry assumes his new role as an associate communications director at the White House, the Biden administration faces questions and criticism over his appointment. Cherry’s past social media posts attacking police, criticizing Republicans, and supporting the anti-Israel movement have sparked debate over the appropriateness of his views and whether they align with the administration’s values. Moving forward, Cherry’s performance in his new role and his ability to effectively communicate the administration’s messages will be closely watched by observers and critics alike. Ultimately, the hiring of Tyler Cherry represents a decision by the Biden White House to include a diversity of perspectives in its communications team, despite the controversies surrounding some of Cherry’s past statements.
