Breaking: Mike Huckabee Joins Trump Admin

President-elect Donald Trump revealed on Tuesday his choice of former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee as the next U.S. ambassador to Israel.

"Mike has been a great public servant, Governor, and Leader in Faith for many years," Trump said in a formal announcement.

"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, who previously served as a Baptist preacher, has shown strong support for Israel throughout his career.

According to the Associated Press, David Friedman, Trump’s previous ambassador to Israel, expressed his enthusiasm for the decision, reportedly feeling “thrilled” at the appointment of Huckabee.

Huckabee has a history of supporting Trump, initially endorsing him in 2016 after withdrawing from the Republican primary, and backing him again in this recent election cycle.

The Jerusalem Post noted in December 2023 that Huckabee visited the Israeli border areas impacted by the October 7 Hamas attacks earlier that year.

Reflecting on Trump’s history with Israel, Huckabee told the Post, “I think the best thing you can say about Trump is that he’s the guy that moved the [US] Embassy [from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem], who recognized the Golan Heights, who recognized Jerusalem as the eternal capital, and got the Abraham Accords signed. I don’t know what else he could do to show his absolute support for Israel.”

Huckabee’s steadfast support of Israel aligns with the broader support for the nation among U.S. evangelicals.

Christian author and humanitarian Joel Rosenberg voiced his excitement on X, saying, “I could not be more thrilled that my good friend — and fellow [Trinity Broadcasting Network] anchor — [Mike Huckabee] is going to be the next American ambassador to Israel. This fantastic news — congratulations, Mike — can’t wait to welcome you back to Jerusalem!”

In addition to Huckabee’s appointment, Trump has nominated Representative Elise Stefanik from New York as the next U.S. ambassador to the United Nations.

Stefanik, also a strong advocate for Israel, addressed Israel's Knesset in the spring and has been vocal about fighting anti-Semitism on U.S. college campuses.