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March 27, 2024

Report from State Department Reveals Misconduct by US Ambassador Kaplan

Jonathan Kaplan
— Jonathan Kaplan Photographer: Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call/Getty Images
March 27, 2024

A February 2024 report by the State Department’s Office of the Inspector General (OIG) disclosed anomalies in the conduct of United States Ambassador to Singapore Jonathan Kaplan. The report specifically outlined instances of unauthorized spending, lack of sufficient documentation, poor relationships with Singapore ministries, diversion of embassy resources, inability to meet reporting deadlines, and internal control shortcomings. Additionally, embassy staff described fear, direct threats of reprisal, and intimidation from Ambassador Kaplan. In response, Ambassador Kaplan stood by the work of the OIG. On March 4, Singapore’s Minister of Law and Home Affairs, K Shanmugam, voiced his support for Ambassador Kaplan. Shanmugam highlighted Kaplan’s efforts to strengthen US-Singapore relations, indicating a degree of confidence in Kaplan’s diplomatic capabilities amidst these challenges.

The OIG put forward 23 recommendations. According to a State Department spokesperson, the embassy in Singapore has implemented substantial organizational and procedural adjustments aimed at resolving these issues.

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