Could Breitbart Editor Joel Pollak Be Next American Envoy to South Africa?
Image by CNN
By Dave Goldiner February 7, 2017
Breitbart News alumni are already fast filling the ranks at the Trump White House with far-right flamethrower Steve Bannon said to be the new president’s most powerful lieutenant.
Now, Joel Pollak, Breitbart’s editor-at-large is being tipped to be the Donald’s new ambassador to South Africa, the influential local Daily Maverick web site reported.
Pollak was born in South Africa to a Jewish family that emigrated to the United States and once served as speechwriter to Tony Leon, who was leader of the liberal opposition party.
He’s married to the daughter of a onetime anti-apartheid activists and would seem to have strong ties to the country’s strongly pro-Israel Jewish establishment.
But former colleagues in the Democratic Alliance and other South African commentators are reportedly expressing dismay that Pollak, whose political views have veered to the far right, could wind up being America’s man in Pretoria.
The ties to Trump could be embarrassing to the DA as it seeks to gain traction against the ruling African National Congress since the new president is widely viewed here as a dangerous and divisive figure.
Ex-colleague Gareth van Onselen told the Daily Maverick that Pollack “could be difficult, unavailable, fraught and sometimes unthinkingly impulsive.”
I’m personally matching all gifts to the Forward, up to $36,000. Can I match your gift now?
Hello, fellow Forward reader! I’m Joel Brown, a Forward reader and supporter for more than 15 years, and currently the chair of the board of directors.
I’m an avid Forward reader because it ticks so many of my essential boxes: excellent journalism, Jewish focus and diverse viewpoints. In today’s political climate, what I most appreciate is the Forward’s independence — made possible by the generosity of its membership.
The Forward is committed to bringing you unbiased, nuanced Jewish news. From my position as board chair, I see an exciting future as we expand our position as the definitive independent voice of contemporary American Judaism.
— Joel Brown, Forward board chair
Support our mission to tell the Jewish story fully and fairly.
