The United States Senate has confirmed Dr Anjani Sinha as ambassador to Singapore on Tuesday, 7 Oct 2025, by a vote of 51 to 47.
The orthopaedic surgeon from Florida was among more than 100 nominees approved in an en bloc vote after Republicans changed Senate rules to accelerate the confirmation process.
En Bloc Vote Speeds Up Confirmations
Dr Sinha’s confirmation came alongside several other key appointees for President Donald Trump’s Asia diplomacy team. Sergio Gor was confirmed as ambassador to India, while Sean O’Neill secured the Thailand post.
The Senate also approved Michael DeSombre as Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs and Dr Paul Kapur for South Asian Affairs.
Republicans, who hold 53 seats in the 100-member Senate, pushed through the so-called “nuclear option” on 11 Sep 2025 to change the rules.
A supermajority of 60 votes was previously required to advance a nomination to a floor vote. The rule change allowed a simple majority to suffice, and the 7 Oct en bloc vote resulted in the confirmation of the largest group of nominees to date.
From Florida Surgeon to Diplomatic Post
Dr Sinha is a surgeon on the East Coast who specializes in orthopaedics and sports medicine. The US State Department described him as an accomplished entrepreneur who built multiple practices with specialized teams across eight locations in New York and served as a senior surgical consultant in Florida.
He graduated from MGM Medical School and Delhi University in India with a Master’s of Orthopaedic Surgery. Dr Sinha immigrated to the US in 1977 and has worked in sports medicine for decades.
President Trump announced his nomination via a Truth Social post on 11 Mar 2025. The nomination was received by the Senate and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations on 29 Apr 2025.
Rocky Confirmation Hearing Goes Viral
Dr Sinha struggled during his Senate confirmation hearing on 9 Jul 2025, drawing widespread criticism online. Democratic Senator Tammy Duckworth questioned him about the US trade surplus with Singapore in 2024, to which he replied US$80 billion (~S$103 billion), before correcting himself to US$18 billion (~S$23 billion).
The actual figure was US$2.8 billion (~S$3.6 billion), according to the Office of the US Trade Representative. Senator Duckworth told him he was “off by a huge factor” and said he had not done his homework.
During the hearing, she also questioned him about Singapore’s priorities when it assumes the chairmanship of Asean in 2027. At one point, Duckworth described him as “unqualified” for the role and advised him to “shape up and do some homework”.
Videos from the Senate hearing went viral on social media in Singapore and were widely covered by Southeast Asian newspapers. Despite the fumbled responses, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham warmly introduced Dr Sinha at the hearing, noting that he has been friends with Trump for over a decade.
“Key Strategic Partner” in Indo-Pacific
During the July session, Dr Sinha extended his “deep gratitude to President Trump for his nomination, and to Secretary Rubio for his support”. He called Singapore the US’ “key strategic partner and friend” in the Indo-Pacific.
“Close cooperation with Singapore, along with our other allies and partners in the region, is more critical today than ever before,” Dr Sinha said. He stated that in Singapore, he would look to expand and deepen defence and security cooperation, economic and trade relationships, and people-to-people ties.
The US State Department said in a 2 May report to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee that Dr Sinha’s appreciation for Singapore’s role as a financial hub and his business expertise in life sciences and healthcare sectors rendered him well qualified to serve as ambassador. The department also noted his understanding of Indo-Pacific cultures, people, and values.
Personal Life and Next Steps
Dr Sinha has been married to Dr Kiki Sinha, a retired anesthesiologist, for 48 years. They have a daughter and son, and three grandchildren.
Singapore’s Ambassador to the US, Lui Tuck Yew, told The Straits Times that he looks forward to meeting Dr Sinha and his family. Before Dr Sinha departs for Singapore, President Trump will sign his official appointment letter and swear him in.
The new ambassador will then present his credentials in Singapore and formally assume duties at the US Embassy.
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