NC senators set to block Trump’s ambassador nominee for religious freedom
U.S. Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) looks on in Capitol Hill, as Republican lawmakers struggle to pass U.S. President Donald Trump’s sweeping spending and tax bill, in Washington, D.C., U.S., June 30, 2025. REUTERS/Elizabeth Frantz

President Donald Trump suffered a setback as North Carolina Republican Senators Ted Budd and Thom Tillis signaled opposition to his nominee for Ambassador for International Religious Freedom, former Rep. Mark Walker. Under Senate tradition, both home-state senators must approve a nominee via the “blue slip” process, effectively halting Walker’s confirmation. Walker urged support on social media, while Trump blasted the procedure as a barrier to approving Republican nominees for key positions.

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NC senators set to block Trump’s ambassador nominee for religious freedom