White House official, who caused controversy by posting on social media about police attacks, the anti-Israeli movement, and “Russiagate,” now says that these posts were written in his youth and don’t reflect his current opinions.
Tyler Cherry, who spent over three decades working at the Department of Interior for Secretary Deb Haaland, was promoted to associate director of communications at the White House last week. Cherry’s incendiary past posts were brought to light by the promotion.
Cherry stated in a tweet from 2015 that he “prayed even harder” for the end of a police state that was motivated by implicit and explicit racial prejudices.
The tweet was sent amid riots in Baltimore sparked by Freddie Gray’s death while under police custody.
Cherry wrote in a second post, a few weeks later, that modern policing is a “direct development of slave patrols” and lynch mops.
In many of his posts, Cherry has championed Palestinians’ cause against Israel. Cherry wrote in a post dated July 25, 2014: “Cheering in bars for ending the occupation of Palestine — no shame, and f— you glares. #ISupportGaza#FreePalestine.”
Other posts were directed at Republicans whom he accused of being “too focused on white grievance politics.” Another post called for the abolition of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Cherry posted on Sunday to X (formerly Twitter): “Past posts I made when I was younger don’t reflect my current opinions.” “Period.”
Past social media posts from when I was younger do not reflect my current views. Period. I support this Administration’s agenda – and will continue my communications work focused on our climate and environmental policies.
— Tyler Cherry (@TylerACherry) June 23, 2024
He wrote: “I fully support the agenda of this Administration and will continue to focus my communications on our climate and environment policies.”
Cherry was contacted by Fox News to comment on his evolving beliefs. White House deputy senior press secretary Andrew Bates said previously that the White House is “very proud” to have Tyler as part of the team.
To the dismay and anger of the progressive Democratic Party, the Biden administration has reiterated its support for Israel, as it continues to wage war against Hamas, in response to an attack by the terrorist group on October 7 that left around 1,200 dead, with hundreds of hostages.
There has been an increasing rift in recent months between the Biden Administration and Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli Prime Minister. In recent months, the White House has become more critical of Netanyahu’s leadership as the death toll has increased in Gaza.
