Rep. Wesley Hunt (R-TX) was tapped by the Trump administration Monday to be the next ambassador to Saudi Arabia, a post that has been open for the entirety of President Donald Trump’s second term.
The Texas Republican previously served as a diplomatic liaison officer in Saudi Arabia and has been a close Trump ally in Congress. Hunt’s nomination comes after he lost the GOP primary for Senate in Texas earlier this year. Hunt ran behind both Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) and Texas state Attorney General Ken Paxton, who won the nomination after a runoff.
“It is the honor of a lifetime to accept President Trump’s nomination to serve as the next United States Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” Hunt told the Washington Examiner in a statement. “Having served in the region both in combat as an Army officer and for two years as a diplomatic liaison in the Kingdom, I understand the strategic importance of the partnership between the United States and Saudi Arabia and the profound responsibility of this position.”
The nomination comes as Saudi Arabia, a U.S. ally, temporarily shut down a key oil pipeline used to bypass the Strait of Hormuz after Iranian-backed Houthi rebels launched a series of attacks the day prior. Saudi officials said the pipeline was shut down as a precaution while emergency crews assessed the damage.
It is unclear if Hunt will give up his seat in the House, as Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) navigates a razor-thin majority. Hunt could also wait until his term is up in January. The Senate is unlikely to rush Hunt’s nomination, and the chamber only has three weeks in session before they recess until after the November election.
Hunt, 44, attended the U.S. Military Academy at West Point before serving eight years in the Army as an Apache helicopter pilot.
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“I am deeply grateful to President Trump for his confidence in me,” said Hunt. “When confirmed, I will serve with humility and honor, advance his vision of peace through strength and deepen this vital partnership.”
The Washington Examiner reached out to Hunt’s office for comment.