Senator Ted Cruz has voiced strong opposition to the nomination of Ambassador Elizabeth Richard for the position of counterterrorism coordinator. Cruz criticized Richard's tenure as ambassador to Lebanon, highlighting what he considers disqualifying failures. He specifically referenced Richard's support for funding the Internal Security Forces (ISF) with American taxpayer money, including the construction of the ISF Academy.

Cruz brought attention to the case of Amer Fakhoury, a former U.S. hostage detained in Lebanon. Fakhoury, who later died, was accused of past offenses by a Hezbollah-backed newspaper. Cruz criticized Richard's handling of the situation, contrasting it with the successful efforts of the Trump administration in securing Fakhoury's release. He accused Richard of prioritizing appeasement of the Lebanese government and Hezbollah over the safety of American citizens abroad.

Cruz also questioned Richard's decision to withdraw a military force deployed to protect the U.S. Embassy in Beirut following the assassination of Qasem Soleimani. He suggested this action, reportedly taken to avoid antagonizing Hezbollah, endangered embassy personnel. Furthermore, Cruz accused Richard of indirectly funding Hezbollah through her support of the ISF, which he described as having ties to the terrorist group.

Cruz argued that Richard's record demonstrates a pattern of downplaying terrorism, appeasing terrorist groups, and even indirectly funding them. He concluded that this approach renders her unfit for the role of counterterrorism coordinator.