US envoy to Qatar faces storm over tweet about ‘increasingly difficult’ news from home
US Ambassador to Qatar Dana Shell Smith, who took over the role in 2014, has brought out strong reactions for her observation on Twitter about ‘increasingly difficult news from home.’
Increasingly difficult to wake up overseas to news from home, knowing I will spend today explaining our democracy and institutions.
— Dana Shell Smith (@AmbDana) May 10, 2017
“Increasingly difficult to wake up overseas to news from home, knowing I will spend today explaining our democracy and institutions,” she tweeted, in obvious disapproval of the move.
The US ambassador was expressing her dissatisfaction with political developments in the USA, following US President Donald Trump’s dramatic sacking of FBI director James Comey. Comey had been the man leading a probe into possible Russian links to Trump’s presidential campaign.
The tweet has since then re-tweeted more than 3,700 times. The reactions on the social media platform was immediate and varied. While some supported her outspokenness, others were not too impressed.
@AmbDana Let's hope our institutions are strong enough to withstand the Trump assault. Hang in there! We are proud of you.
— Morris Jacobs (@MorrisJacobs10) May 11, 2017
@AmbDana Try explaining it to our current @POTUS he doesn't seem to understand any part of his job
— Maytal (@maytalism) May 11, 2017
@AmbDana Indeed. There isn't a day that goes by that colleagues don't ask me about the future of democracy. #usa #expat
— Tammy Petro (@tammypetro) May 11, 2017
@AmbDana Totally agree!!! All of us abroad feel the same burden. Love #USA but can't help but wonder what's going on?!!! Proud of your work here.
— elroosie (@elroosie) May 11, 2017
@AmbDana This one should be relieved of her post. I'm tired of seeing the President being put down by people who r supposed to work under him.
— Deken Simmons. (@Dekenfrank1) May 11, 2017
@AmbDana Maybe you should be fired next? If you don't like the way OUR .@POTUS is running OUR country that he WAS voted to be leader of then #Resign
— I love Winning (@MarieMa49685063) May 11, 2017
@AmbDana Someone may find herself out of a job. Do you or do you not work for current admin? Don't like policy, talk to your boss about it.
— Patrick (@Dejavudoodoo) May 11, 2017
@AmbDana Sounds like a conflict of interest with you...perhaps it's time to resign and let someone else who is less biased take your place?
— cuintampa (@cyndi_obrion) May 11, 2017
She then did a follow-up post on Thursday, in an apparent attempt to take the sting out of her earlier message.
“Diplomats explain & defend our political system. Can be tough when partisan acrimony so high, but there is still no greater country. #USA,” she tweeted.
Diplomats explain & defend our political system.Can be tough when partisan acrimony so high, but there is still no greater country. #USA
— Dana Shell Smith (@AmbDana) May 11, 2017
Meanwhile, CNN reported that foreign envoys and officials in overseas capitals were increasingly looking for help in understanding the Trump administration's positions and actions.
Many diplomats said they were surprised by the move and struggling to figure out what happened.
Democrats hate Trump, because he kicked Hillary's corrupt posterior.
He's too good for these idiots.
xD
I just tell people I'm Canadian now…I'm tired of making excuses for the idiot in charge
Have a nice day.
We need to see the big picture ............. .............although ........... It is not easy ............ Every day is not the same where ever we are ...................
We remain hopeful from our leaders ........ Everything is going on well .......... just give time ............... ....... US is hope of the world .............