Trump Should Immediately Appoint an Abraham Accords Ambassador

On his first day back in office, President Trump demonstrated an unwavering commitment to reshaping U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East, particularly in support of Israel. By signing executive orders to reimpose sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC) and pause funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), the administration has sent a clear message: the United States will no longer tolerate international bodies that fail to uphold accountability or tacitly endorse actions that threaten Israeli sovereignty and security.
The timing of these decisions is significant. The October 7 attacks on Israel were a stark reminder of the persistent threats the nation faces. These attacks, reportedly facilitated in part by the negligence or complicity of certain international actors, have underscored the need for a decisive and principled U.S. response. By targeting organizations that have either turned a blind eye to such atrocities or, worse, employed individuals complicit in these acts, President Trump has signaled a zero-tolerance policy for actions that undermine Israel’s security.
The decision to reimpose sanctions on the ICC and pause funding to UNRWA has drawn predictable criticism, with detractors arguing that such moves could exacerbate humanitarian crises. However, these critiques overlook a fundamental issue: accountability. The ICC’s track record of politicization coupled with UNRWA’s long history of controversy—including allegations of corruption, mismanagement, and the dissemination of anti-Israel propaganda—makes them ill-suited to receive U.S. taxpayer dollars without significant reform.
Moreover, these efforts should not be viewed in isolation but as part of a broader strategy to recalibrate U.S. engagement in the Middle East. Under President Trump’s leadership, the Abraham Accords laid the groundwork for unprecedented cooperation between Israel and several Arab nations. This diplomatic achievement not only fostered regional stability but also highlighted the potential for a new paradigm in Middle East relations, one based on mutual respect and shared interests rather than outdated grievances.
Now, President Trump has the opportunity to build on this legacy by achieving what the Biden administration failed to do: appointing an Abraham Accords Ambassador. A bipartisan bill passed in 2023 established this critical role to ensure the continued success and expansion of the accords. However, despite broad support, the Biden administration never nominated anyone for the position, leaving a significant gap in U.S. diplomatic efforts.
The Abraham Accords Ambassador would serve as a dedicated envoy to strengthen ties between Israel and its Arab neighbors, facilitate new agreements, and address challenges that arise in the implementation of existing accords. House Republicans have already urged President Trump to act swiftly in making this appointment, recognizing the urgency of maintaining momentum in the region. As Representative Ritchie Torres and Representative Mike Lawler emphasized during the 2023 bipartisan push for the role, the ambassador would be instrumental in institutionalizing the accords and ensuring their long-term viability.
By nominating a qualified and experienced individual to this position, President Trump can reinforce his administration’s commitment to a stable and prosperous Middle East. This move would not only signal continued U.S. leadership but also encourage other nations to join the accords, further isolating extremist actors and promoting economic cooperation. Potential picks include:
- Steven Witkoff: A close friend of President Trump, Witkoff was appointed as special envoy to the Middle East in November 2024.
- R. Clarke Cooper: Cooper served as Assistant Secretary of State for Political-Military Affairs during the Trump administration and was recognized for his contributions to the security cooperation elements of the Abraham Accords.
- Kelly Craft: As the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Craft was actively involved in Middle East policy and supported the Abraham Accords, advocating for their endorsement within the UN Security Council.
- David T. Fischer: Fischer served as the U.S. Ambassador to Morocco and was instrumental in advancing the Abraham Accords, receiving recognition from both President Trump and King Mohammed VI of Morocco for his efforts.
- Morgan Ortagus: Ortagus, who served as State Department Spokesperson during the Trump administration, was a vocal advocate for the Abraham Accords, played a key role in promoting U.S. foreign policy objectives in the Middle East, and current Deputy Special Envoy to the Middle East
Critics may decry these moves as heavy-handed or unilateral, but they reflect a pragmatic understanding of the geopolitical realities in the Middle East. For too long, international organizations have operated with impunity, often undermining the very principles they claim to uphold. By reinstating sanctions on the ICC, pausing funding to UNRWA and prioritizing the appointment of an Abraham Accords Ambassador, President Trump is challenging the status quo and demanding accountability—a stance that is both necessary and overdue.
As the administration moves forward, it must complement these bold actions with sustained diplomatic efforts to expand the Abraham Accords and foster deeper ties between Israel and its neighbors. Additionally, increased support for initiatives that promote economic development, education, and counterterrorism cooperation in the region will be essential to ensuring long-term stability.
President Trump’s first-day actions are a testament to his administration’s prioritization of Middle East policy and its unwavering support for Israel. By taking a stand against international organizations that have failed to uphold their responsibilities and by seizing the opportunity to appoint an Abraham Accords Ambassador, the administration is laying the foundation for a more accountable and secure global order. The message is clear: under President Trump’s leadership, the United States will stand firmly with Israel and work tirelessly to promote peace, security, and prosperity in the Middle East.