A former Sydney councillor, Nick Adams, has been nominated by Donald Trump to serve as the United States ambassador to Malaysia. This appointment comes after Adams gained prominence as a MAGA influencer and conservative commentator. He previously faced controversy during his political career in Australia, notably for verbally confronting a journalist in 2009.
Adams, who is now 40 years old and a citizen of the United States, first entered the political arena as a Liberal councillor on Sydney’s Ashfield council in 2004. He quickly became deputy mayor the following year. His tenure was marred by incidents that led to his suspension from the Liberal Party after he was filmed verbally abusing Channel Ten journalist Brett Mason. This incident occurred while Mason reported on Adams’ frequent absences from council meetings. Following the event, the party’s then-state director, Mark Neeham, stated that Adams’ behavior fell “well below the standard expected of Liberal Party-endorsed councillors.”
Over a decade later, Adams has transformed his career into that of a self-described “alpha male” and “cultural thought leader.” He is the founder of the Foundation for Liberty and American Greatness, a non-profit organization focused on promoting conservative values among children. Adams has also gained notoriety for advocating “patriotic boycotts” against companies he perceives as promoting progressive values, targeting brands such as Disney, Nike, and Taylor Swift.
Adams’ social media presence is notable for its blend of earnest political commentary and tongue-in-cheek trolling. On his Twitter account, he frequently expresses admiration for Trump, whom he describes as his “favourite person.” His posts also reveal personal preferences, including his ideal partner attributes that align with his self-proclaimed lifestyle.
In a statement on Substack following his nomination, Adams expressed gratitude for the opportunity, stating, “Much of my adult life has been a story of giving back to the United States, the country I loved, the country that welcomed me first as a visitor, then as an entrepreneur, then as a citizen, and today, as an ambassador.” He referred to Trump’s nomination as “the honour of a lifetime.”
Adams’ appointment requires confirmation by the U.S. Senate. His relationship with Trump dates back to 2017 when the former president endorsed his book detailing his experiences migrating to the United States. Trump later appointed him to the Woodrow Wilson Center think tank, further solidifying their connection.
As the process unfolds, Adams has not yet publicly commented on his nomination, and attempts to reach him for further statements have been made by various media outlets, including the ABC. His candidacy for this significant diplomatic role highlights the intersection of political influence and social media in contemporary American politics.
