President-elect Donald Trump has nominated outgoing North Carolina Congressman Dan Bishop to serve as Deputy Director for Budget at the Office of Management and Budget. Bishop, a Republican representing North Carolina’s 8th District since 2019, is known for his conservative positions and legislative history that have drawn criticism from liberal circles.
Key Controversies Surrounding Dan Bishop:
1. House Bill 2 (“Bathroom Bill”): As a state senator, Bishop was the primary sponsor of the Public Facilities Privacy & Security Act, commonly known as House Bill 2. This legislation mandated that individuals use public restrooms corresponding to the sex on their birth certificates, effectively restricting transgender individuals’ access to facilities aligning with their gender identity. The bill faced widespread condemnation from LGBTQ+ advocacy groups and led to significant economic backlash, including business boycotts and event cancellations in North Carolina.
2. Association with Far-Right Figures: Bishop has been scrutinized for his connections to far-right extremists and conspiracy theorists. During his tenure in Congress, he appeared at events alongside individuals linked to such ideologies, raising concerns about his affiliations and the potential influence on his policy positions.
3. Support for Controversial Political Figures: Despite revelations of controversial comments made by figures like Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, including alleged pro-slavery and pro-Nazi statements, Bishop has continued to support them, often deflecting criticism toward political opponents. This unwavering support has raised questions about his judgment and alignment with extremist viewpoints.
4. Criticism of Journalists: Bishop has attracted attention for statements attacking journalists, which have been likened to inflammatory rhetoric. On one occasion, he criticized the Raleigh press corps over coverage of the state budget, calling them the “jihad media.”
Bishop’s nomination to a key budgetary position in the Trump administration signals a continuation of policies favoring deregulation and conservative fiscal management. However, his legislative history and associations present potential challenges in garnering bipartisan support during the confirmation process.
