Shea Levin — text status

Sen. Ted Cruz says his support for President Trump's nominee for ambassador to Somalia depends on the State Department formally recognizing Somaliland as an independent country. He delivered the warning at a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing, after nominee Devin Kennington would not promise to press the administration for recognition. Cruz noted that President Trump has called Somaliland a totally different country, and told Kennington his confirmation depends on the State Department following the President's guidance. Israel became the first country to recognize Somaliland, in December 2025.