Newly confirmed U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee announced he will deliver a personal, handwritten prayer from President Donald Trump to the Western Wall on Friday as his first official act after being sworn in. The move signals a powerful symbolic gesture aligning the Trump administration’s support with Israel, both politically and spiritually.
Speaking after a White House meeting with President Trump, Huckabee said, “The first thing I’m going to do is to take a prayer that the President gave me… and I’m going to place it there on behalf of the American people and on behalf of the President.” Huckabee emphasized that this act reflects President Trump’s steadfast commitment to Israel’s security and the return of hostages still held following the October 7, 2023, attacks.
Huckabee was confirmed last week by the Senate in a near party-line vote, 53-46, with only one Democrat, Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, crossing the aisle in support. Fetterman, an outspoken backer of Israel, broke with party ranks to affirm the appointment.
“I can’t think of a better way to begin my tenure,” Huckabee said, citing the importance of signaling American solidarity with Israel. His visit to the Western Wall with the prayer comes as tensions remain high in the region and as negotiations for hostage releases continue.
Prior to his political career, Huckabee served as a Southern Baptist minister and previously ran for president in 2008 and 2016. His long-standing defense of Israel and strong criticism of Palestinian claims have drawn ire from the political left and pro-Palestinian advocates. During his confirmation process, Huckabee clarified that he will represent President Trump’s foreign policy—not his own personal views.
“I am not here to articulate or defend my own views or policies,” Huckabee told senators, “but to present myself as one who will respect and represent the President.”
Huckabee’s symbolic first step in Jerusalem underscores the Trump administration’s ongoing prioritization of a strong U.S.–Israel alliance, rooted in both political and deeply held spiritual convictions.
