The report also found that Mr Kaplan had limited contact with Singapore’s traditional media.
“Multiple embassy sections noted that the Ambassador developed poor relationships with some Singaporean ministries,” said a February 2024 report by the State Department’s Office of Inspector General that was released on March 1.
“I stand by the work of the State Department OIG,” he said in a statement. “My team and I take full responsibility for quickly addressing the concerns and recommendations found in the report.” According to the report, the Ambassador “often was unprepared on issues and made statements that were counterproductive to a section’s work”.
“The Ambassador told OIG there was no need for him to deal with Singapore’s traditional media and he preferred to use social media,” it said. He reportedly donated more than US$100,000 to Democratic campaigns in the 10 years before being appointed. This was his first diplomatic appointment.