President-elect Donald Trump has announced that he will nominate former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee to be the U.S. ambassador to Israel.
The pick adds another familiar face from the MAGA world to Mr. Trump’s team. It also deploys a loyal Trump supporter and seasoned statesman to work with America’s closest Middle East ally at a critical time.
“Mike has been a great public servant, Governor, and Leader in Faith for many years,” Mr. Trump said in a statement Tuesday. “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!”
Mr. Huckabee was governor for over 10 years and was a candidate for the Republican nomination for president in 2008 and again in 2016 when he lost to Mr. Trump.
He has not previously held a diplomatic post or worked in the Trump administration. He has been a vocal supporter of Israel and has met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Mr. Trump has been quickly filling positions for his second stint in the White House, with several posts filled in the past two days.
He announced Tuesday that Rep. Mike Waltz, Florida Republican, would serve as White House national security adviser, though the pick was anticipated.
Mr. Trump is expected to select South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem to lead the Department of Homeland Security as he assembles an immigration team that stands out as his top priority.
Earlier this week, he named Tom Homan, former Immigration and Customs Enforcement director, to be his “border czar.” He selected Stephen Miller, his longtime aide and immigration hardliner, as his deputy chief of staff for policy.
Mr. Trump will reportedly ask Sen. Marco Rubio, Florida Republican, to be his secretary of state. New York Rep. Elise Stefanik was tapped to be the U.S. ambassador to the U.N. and former New York Rep. Lee Zeldin will be nominated to head the Environmental Protection Agency.
These followed Mr. Trump’s first selection — Susie Wiles, his former co-chair to his 2024 campaign, to be his chief of staff.
Cabinet and ambassador nominations must be confirmed by the Senate. Republicans grabbed the Senate majority in last week’s election, giving Mr. Trump an easier path to putting his team in place.
• Mallory Wilson can be reached at mwilson@washingtontimes.com.