President-elect Donald J. Trump has named former Governor Mike Huckabee (R-AR) as his Ambassador to Israel. Huckabee, a Baptist minister and 2016 Republican presidential primary candidate, is known for his staunch support of the Jewish state.
“I am pleased to announce that the Highly Respected former Governor of Arkansas, Mike Huckabee, has been nominated to be The United States Ambassador to Israel,” Trump said in a statement on Tuesday announcing the decision. The President-elect added: “Mike has been a great public servant, Governor, and Leader in Faith for many years. He loves Israel, and the people of Israel, and likewise, the people of Israel love him. Mike will work tirelessly to bring about Peace in the Middle East!”
Huckabee’s daughter, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, served as one of Trump’s White House press secretaries during his first administration. Currently, she serves as Governor of Arkansas, filling her father’s shoes. She was floated as a potential contender for Trump’s running mate in the early days of the 2024 presidential race.