A former congressman and ordained minister has been picked by Donald Trump for the role of U.S. ambassador-at-large for international religious freedom.

Announcing the decision on Truth Social, Trump said Mark Walker, aged 55, had “done an incredible job” during his time in Congress and would “champion faith, and help us secure life saving results".

Walker previously served in the House of Representatives from 2015 to 2021 and was a Southern Baptist pastor before entering politics, as reported by The Christian Post.

In 2024, he acted as Trump’s faith and minority outreach director during the presidential campaign.

Writing on X, Walker said he was “honoured” by the nomination and described Trump as “a defender of faith evidenced by his bold statement on religious liberty at the United Nations".

He added: “Religious expression is the foundation of human rights… I’ll be relentless in fighting for those targeted who dare to live out their faith.”

Supporters have welcomed the announcement, with former religious freedom ambassador Sam Brownback calling Walker “a great background and passion for the job" and conservative group The Danbury Institute describing him as “a committed Christian and a proven leader.”

Walker is expected to take over a role originally created in 1998 to monitor and advocate for religious freedom globally.

The position gained prominence during Trump’s first term, when high-profile ministerial gatherings drew thousands of faith leaders and activists to Washington.