Mark Walker Discusses Religious Freedom Role and Global Accountability
Mark Walker, the former North Carolina Representative appointed by President Trump to a new role focused on religious freedom, shared insights in an interview with Breitbart News. He emphasized that the Trump administration is actively holding other nations accountable for their human rights obligations.
Walker’s appointment as U.S. Ambassador for International Religious Freedom at the State Department came early this January. Unlike many positions, this role does not require Senate confirmation, which simplifies the process for him. But he has to act within a specific timeline as the deadline approaches in 2025.
During his conversation with Breitbart’s Washington Bureau Chief, Walker, who has a background as a pastor, pointed to West Africa, particularly Nigeria, as a hotspot for violence against Christians.
“It’s a widespread issue across Africa, where the majority of Christians killed for their faith are found. In fact, around 70% of all Christian martyrs happen in Africa, with Nigeria accounting for about 90% of these cases,” Walker explained. He noted that President Trump recently classified Nigeria as a ‘Country of Particular Concern’ due to its record on religious freedom.
Representative Riley Moore from West Virginia also voiced concern, stating that he’s designated Nigeria as a country of particular concern after highlighting the alarming number of Christians killed recently. As of 2025, reports suggest over 7,000 Christians have lost their lives in Nigeria. The situation is dire, with many others facing kidnapping or displacement due to Islamic terrorist groups like Boko Haram.
Additionally, Moore mentioned that approximately 19,100 churches have been destroyed in Nigeria since 2009. “My role involves collecting data with a team regarding these atrocities,” Walker said, labeling these anti-Christian acts as “horrifying.”
However, he added complexity to the narrative. “There’s another aspect,” he noted. “In countries with blasphemy laws, individuals wanting to discuss their faith often face detention or unjust imprisonment, sometimes lasting five years or even more. We are compiling this information to present it to Secretary Rubio and President Trump, who are engaged globally.”
Walker expressed his belief in Trump as a staunch advocate for religious freedom, drawing attention to marginalized groups, such as the Druze religious minority in Syria. He praised the administration’s commitment to this cause, stating, “The President is unwavering in his moral dedication to address these issues worldwide, particularly concerning religious freedoms.”
Walker concluded by stressing the importance of communicating these issues to support the President’s agenda on international religious freedom, emphasizing the unique position the U.S. holds as a leader in advocating for these rights. “We are fortunate to have a President who fearlessly calls out global injustices,” he remarked.
