Elliott Abrams Is Unfit, Untrustworthy,
And Unacceptable for US Diplomacy
Win Without War

WASHINGTON (November 6, 2023) — In the history of US foreign policy, few names evoke visceral reactions of distrust and horror like Elliott Abrams.

Abrams’ career as a war criminal spans decades. Here’s merely a snapshot:

• Abrams was involved in Iran-Contra — and later pleaded guilty to two counts of withholding information from Congress over the scandal;
• In the 1980s he supported, defended, and championed repressive regimes, like the genocidal Guatemalan dictator Efraín Ríos Montt;
• He downplayed reports of a horrifying massacre in El Mozote, El Salvador;
• As Trump’s special envoy to Iran and Venezuela, he called to pile on sanctions, recklessly disregarding humanitarian concerns on the ground; and
• Just last month, Abrams called for another Muslim travel ban in The Wall Street Journal.

Despite this notorious track record, President Biden made the perplexing decision to nominate Elliott Abrams to join the US Advisory Commission on Public Diplomacy earlier this year. 

The thought of Abrams occupying this post is disgraceful. US diplomacy to prevent atrocities and de-escalate conflict has a pivotal role to play — particularly as violence escalates in the Middle East. Now more than ever, we need to hear from people committed to values like human rights, justice, and accountability. Elliott Abrams simply isn’t up to the task.

Guatemalan dictator Efraín Ríos Montt on trial for atrocities.

Earlier this summer, thousands of activists spoke out against this horrible choice, but President Biden hasn’t budged. That’s why, with the Senate on deck to vote on his nomination soon, we’ve got to take this demand to the US Capitol.

ACTION: Elliott Abrams isn’t just any public servant, and this isn’t just any nomination. Putting a war criminal like Abrams in a leadership role in diplomacy is a slap in the face to ethical governance, human rights, and justice. Tell the Senate: Reject Elliott Abrams’ nomination immediately.

Elliott Abrams hasn’t merely dabbled in US politics and foreign relations — he’s left a trail of deception and scandal in his wake. Despite ample opportunity to learn from past failures and advocate for just and fair policies, time and time again, he’s made controversial, corrupt decisions that cast shadows over the integrity of US foreign policy. 

His repeated willingness to manipulate, mislead, and misrepresent for personal and political gain reveals confrontational, not diplomatic, inclinations.

But this fight is about more than Abrams’ dark past — it’s about OUR future.

Abrams’ legacy tarnishes any professed US commitment to human rights and global diplomacy. If we allow someone with such a tainted track record to represent us — in any capacity — we are betraying our values and setting a dangerous precedent for the future.

Guilty of lying twice in cover-up of Iran-Contra scandal.

Silence Sends a Signal
Staying silent sends a signal that someone who disregards ethics, undermines the rule of law, and compromises national security will be able to fail up into government — and that’s why it’s time to speak out now.

Surely, there is someone without Abrams’ track record of human rights abuses President Biden can nominate. The Senate should resoundingly refuse to confirm Elliott Abrams to the US Advisory Commission on Public Diplomacy.

ACTION: Let’s come together and ensure that a person with such a compromised past has no place dictating our shared future. Join us to make sure the Senate gets one message loud and clear: Reject President Biden’s nomination of Elliott Abrams!

Thank you for working for peace,
The Win Without War team