The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) is asking President Donald Trump to swiftly nominate an ambassador-at-large for international religious freedom, warning that the vacancy is limiting U.S. leadership on the issue.
In a press release shared May 11 by Christian Newswire, USCIRF — an independent watchdog and advisor focused on advancing religious freedom globally — also called on Congress to move quickly to confirm a nominee once Trump names one.
The position, created under the 1998 International Religious Freedom Act, advises the president and secretary of state and represents the U.S. in diplomatic efforts on religious freedom abroad. The ambassador also serves as an ex-officio member of USCIRF.
USCIRF said in its 2026 annual report that Trump’s previous 2025 nomination was not brought to a vote before the end of the year, and therefore, a new nomination is necessary.
“The role of Ambassador at Large for IRF plays a critical role in advancing freedom of religion or belief abroad,” USCIRF Chair Vicky Hartzler said in the release. “It’s imperative for President Trump to put forward a nomination for this position for his administration to fully and effectively implement its stated commitment to IRF [International Religious Freedom] as a key component of U.S. foreign policy.”
Hartzler added that advancing religious freedom protects a fundamental human right linked to national security, economic prosperity, and stability.
USCIRF Vice Chair Asif Mahmood credited the administration for recent actions on religious freedom, including designating Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern and expanding visa restrictions on religious freedom violators and their families. However, he said the lack of confirmed ambassadorial leadership “prevents the U.S. government from fulfilling its potential in leading global efforts” to advance religious freedom.