Trump Taps Franklin Graham's Daughter Cissie Graham Lynch for Leading Religious Freedom Role

Abby Trivett : Sep 16, 2026
Charisma Media

"Cissie is uniquely qualified for this—she has traveled the world and been a student of this issue for many years." -Franklin Graham

[Charisma News] President Donald Trump has nominated Cissie Graham Lynch, granddaughter of the late evangelist Billy Graham and daughter of Franklin Graham, to serve as the US ambassador-at-large for international religious freedom. (Screengrab image: via PBS NewsHour)

Lynch announced Tuesday morning on X that Trump had asked her to step into the prominent religious-freedom role.

"I would consider it a great honor and privilege to do so," Lynch wrote.

She immediately turned her attention to prayer and to the millions around the world who still lack the freedom to openly practice their faith.

"If confirmed by the Senate, please pray that I would serve with excellence and make the most of every opportunity to protect our most precious and fundamental right—and one that far too many people around the world still live without—freedom of religion," Lynch wrote.

Franklin Graham also took to X to celebrate his daughter's nomination and highlight her years of experience with the issue.

"Cissie is uniquely qualified for this—she has traveled the world and been a student of this issue for many years," Graham wrote.

"She has a broad worldview and knowledge of the issues facing religious freedom today," he continued. "If confirmed by the Senate, she will bring a passion for defending religious freedom to this office."

Graham's message, like his daughter's, ultimately came back to prayer.

"I couldn't be more proud of her," Graham wrote, "and I ask you to pray that God would give her wisdom and strength."

If confirmed by the Senate, Lynch would step into an international role focused on defending religious freedom abroad—carrying forward a family legacy long associated with taking the Gospel around the world. Subscribe for free to Breaking Christian News here

Abby Trivett is a writer and editor for Charisma Media and has a passion for sharing the Gospel through the written word. She holds two degrees from Regent University, a B.A. in Communication with a concentration in Journalism and a Master of Arts in Journalism.