Trump Nominates Cissie Graham Lynch as U.S. Ambassador for International Religious Freedom
President Donald Trump nominated Cissie Graham Lynch, granddaughter of the late evangelist Billy Graham, to serve as the U.S. Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom. Lynch is a speaker and author who has worked with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. The nomination requires Senate confirmation.
President Donald Trump nominated Cissie Graham Lynch to serve as the U.S. Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom, the White House announced in September 2026.
Lynch is the granddaughter of the late evangelist Billy Graham and the daughter of Franklin Graham, president of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Samaritan's Purse. She has worked as a speaker, author, and advocate for Christian causes, and has appeared at Republican National Conventions.
The Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom is a senior State Department position responsible for promoting religious freedom as a core element of U.S. foreign policy. The role involves engaging foreign governments, international organizations, and civil society groups on issues of religious persecution and freedom of conscience.
If confirmed by the Senate, Lynch would take over a position that has been a priority for Republican administrations. The office monitors religious freedom conditions in countries around the world and produces the annual International Religious Freedom Report.
Christian advocacy groups praised the nomination. Critics noted that Lynch has no prior diplomatic experience, though supporters pointed to her background in faith-based advocacy as relevant to the role.
The nomination was reported by Premier Christian News and other outlets covering faith and politics.
