Donald Trump Nominates Cissie Graham Lynch for Religious Freedom Envoy

President Donald Trump nominated Cissie Graham Lynch to serve as the U.S. ambassador-at-large for international religious freedom. The nomination, referred to the Senate on September 14, 2026, seeks to fill a senior diplomatic post that has remained vacant since the start of Trump's second term following the failed confirmation of Mark Walker.

Lynch, an author and radio host, is the granddaughter of evangelist Billy Graham and daughter of Franklin Graham. She previously served on the Executive Evangelical Advisory Board of Trump's Faith Advisory Council and has been a senior adviser and spokesperson for Samaritan's Purse since 2010. If confirmed, she will lead the State Department's Office of International Religious Freedom and advise the president and secretary of state on religious persecution abroad.

Lynch described the nomination as a "great honor and privilege." Her father, Franklin Graham, stated she is "uniquely qualified" for the role due to her international experience. The Religious Freedom Institute praised the appointment and urged the U.S. Senate to act quickly to address persecution in countries including China, Nigeria, Syria, and Nicaragua.