Trump nominates Wesley Hunt to be next US ambassador to Saudi Arabia

President Donald Trump officially nominated Texas GOP Rep. Wesley Hunt on Monday afternoon to be the next United States Ambassador to Saudi Arabia. 

The nomination was listed in the president's nominations that he sent to the Senate. He also formally nominated acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao for the official post and Heidi Overton to be the Food and Drug Administration commissioner.

The nomination comes after Hunt was one of three House Republicans to run for the party's nomination to the Senate earlier this year. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton ultimately won the primary, meaning Hunt is out of Congress.

"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 said in a post on X. "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. Service has always defined my life."

Hunt, who served in the military for eight years on active duty and is a West Point graduate, said his immediate family has collectively served more than 60 years in the military and highlighted that his siblings also graduated from West Point and served in the Army.

"I am deeply grateful to President Trump for his confidence in me," he said. "When confirmed, I will serve with humility and honor, advance his vision of peace through strength and deepen this vital partnership."

The nomination comes amid tension in the Middle East because of the U.S. conflict with Iran. Saudi Arabia is also facing heightened tension with the Iran-backed Houthis because the Houthis have caused disruption in Saudi Arabia's ability to export oil.

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.