As previously reported, last April, President Trump nominated Mark Walker, a former Baptist minister and former congressman, to be Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom. However, the Senate failed to hold a hearing on his nomination. Apparently, his confirmation was blocked by North Carolina Senator Tedd Budd who defeated Walker in the 2022 Republican primary for U.S. Senate. So now, according to a January 8 statement (full text) by Walker, he has withdrawn his name from consideration for the ambassadorship and instead has accepted an appointment by President Trump as Principal Advisor on Global Religious Freedom to the State Department. This appointment does not require Senate confirmation. In his statement, Walker said in part:
I look forward to working closely with Secretary Rubio, President Trump and the entire Administration to advance America's leadership in confronting religious persecution, exposing human rights violations, and advocating for people of faith around the globe.
Religious freedom remains under assault in far too many corners of the world, and I am committed to supporting the Trump Administration's bold efforts to defend this fundamental right. I thank President Trump, Secretary Rubio and the entire team for their trust and confidence.
JNS reports on these developments.
