Nick Adams, a controversial figure with a history in local Australian politics and a self-styled “MAGA influencer,” has been nominated by Donald Trump to serve as the U.S. ambassador to Malaysia. The nomination has sparked discussions due to Adams’s contentious past, including a suspension from the Liberal Party in Australia following an incident involving a television journalist.
Adams, who rose to prominence as a deputy mayor in Sydney’s Ashfield council, made headlines in 2009 for verbally abusing a Channel Ten reporter. The incident occurred after the reporter questioned his repeated absences from council meetings. Following this confrontation, the Liberal Party imposed a six-month suspension, with officials stating that his behavior fell “well below the standard expected” of party representatives. Adams later claimed he resigned before the suspension could take effect.
More than a decade later, he has reinvented himself as a vocal supporter of Trump and conservative values in the United States. Now an American citizen, the 40-year-old Adams describes himself as an “alpha male” and a “cultural thought leader.” He is the founder of the Foundation for Liberty and American Greatness, a non-profit organization aimed at promoting conservative principles among children. His advocacy includes organizing “patriotic boycotts” against companies he perceives as promoting progressive values, targeting brands such as Disney, Nike, and the NBA.
Adams’s social media presence, particularly on Twitter, has drawn attention for its blend of earnestness and provocative humor. He frequently expresses admiration for Trump, whom he regards as his “favorite person.” His posts often blend personal preferences with political commentary, such as his criteria for “girlfriend material” and his fondness for the restaurant chain Hooters, which he humorously refers to as a “breastaurant.”
In a recent post on Substack, Adams expressed gratitude for his nomination, stating, “Much of my adult life has been a story of giving back to the United States, the country I loved, the country that welcomed me first as a visitor, then as an entrepreneur, then as a citizen, and today, as an ambassador.” He added, “Now, the greatest president of all time, Donald J. Trump, has bestowed upon me the honour of a lifetime.”
Adams began his political career at a young age, being elected to the Ashfield council at just 19 years old. His trajectory shifted after his controversial behavior garnered media scrutiny, leading to his suspension from the Liberal Party. Despite this past, he caught Trump’s attention during the former president’s first term, notably when Trump endorsed his book in 2017, which detailed his experiences migrating to the U.S.
The nomination of Adams as ambassador requires confirmation by the U.S. Senate. As the process unfolds, reactions to his selection are expected to vary widely given his polarizing reputation in both political and social spheres.
The ABC has reached out to Adams for further comment regarding his nomination.
