Out of the gate, U.S. Democrat senators, at the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations hearing held on July 16, 2026, began a coordinated attack upon President Trump’s ambassador nominee to the Slovak Republic, state Sen. Douglas Mastriano. There were four other nominees who received mildly neutral comments and questions, but not Doug Mastriano! Democrat Senator Rosen, in her opening remarks, expressed her serious concerns for his nomination and his credibility. In a red-herring approach to mislead, distract or deflect from his true qualifications, she presented a litany of talking-point accusations, allegedly smearing Mastriano’s reputation. During her period of questioning, Mastriano was berated with criticisms and derogatory remarks, with little to no opportunity for response, only to be repeatedly harassed/interrupted by Rosen and the other Democrat committee members as well.

Most seriously was the questioning by Rosen in her attack upon Mastriano’s Christian faith, suggesting that his conservative positions as a Christian would hinder him from service as an ambassador abroad. This was an implied pronouncement against all who claim the name of Christ Jesus as Lord and Savior in their vocation, as does Mastriano, and who stand for the Christian roots of our nation, the same views held by so many of America’s founders.

Christians should be concerned about what transpired at this committee hearing. Rosen set up a non sequitur that Mastriano’s Christian views were in conflict with modern America, when asking him if he thought U.S. political leaders should all be Christians. It is comments and questions like Rosen’s that are reckless and dangerous to Christian freedom and patriotic free thinking with an historic appreciation for the foundation of the United States. Douglas Mastriano stands for all that is good in our “one nation under God,” the God in whom we trust!

Ernie Springer

Willow Street, PA