Belgium warns U.S. Ambassador over social media attacks

Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot has issued a formal warning to U.S. Ambassador Bill White, demanding an end to public attacks on Belgian government officials. The diplomatic friction follows an Instagram post by White featuring an AI-generated image of Belgian Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke, accompanied by the caption, “Who’s the biggest LOSER in Belgium?”.

Prévot summoned White to a meeting to address the breach of diplomatic etiquette, stating that such personal attacks on government members cannot be tolerated. The Foreign Minister emphasized that ambassadors are bound by rules of mutual respect and non-interference in the internal affairs of their host country, warning that further provocations could lead to an unnecessary escalation in bilateral relations.

The incident appears linked to domestic Belgian policy regarding alcohol advertising, which Vandenbroucke has sought to regulate with health warnings. This marks the second time this year that White has been summoned by Belgian authorities, following a previous dispute in February regarding allegations of antisemitism.