The Council on American–Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today sent a letter to the U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations—copied to all Senate offices—urging strong opposition to the nominations of Mike Huckabee for U.S. Ambassador to Israel and Pete Hoekstra for U.S. Ambassador to Canada.
CAIR’s letter states in part:
“Both Mr. Huckabee and Mr. Hoekstra have well-documented histories of promoting anti-Muslim conspiratorial views, aligning with hate groups, and using inflammatory rhetoric. The disastrous implications of their statements make them unsuitable for these critical diplomatic positions.”
CLICK HERE: READ CAIR’S LETTER TO THE SENATE FOREIGN RELATIONS COMMITTEE
In its letter to Committee Chair Jim Risch (R-ID) and Ranking Member Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), CAIR cites both nominees’ records of promoting anti-Muslim conspiracies, aligning with hate groups, and using inflammatory language against Muslim—and, in Huckabee’s case, Palestinian—communities.
The letter highlights Huckabee’s history of anti-Muslim statements and inflammatory rhetoric is deeply troubling:
- Anti-Muslim Claims: As governor of Arkansas and later as a Fox News host, Huckabee falsely claimed that Muslims believe “Jesus Christ and all the people who follow him are a bunch of infidels who should be essentially obliterated.” He further referred to Islam as the “antithesis of the gospel of Christ,” even comparing Muslim prayer in churches to showing pornographic films—statements that incite hatred and could justify extreme measures against Muslim communities.
- Denial of Palestinian Identity: Huckabee repeatedly denied the existence of Palestinians, stating “there’s really no such thing as a Palestinian,” and suggested that any solution for Palestinians lies outside of Israel, such as in Egypt, Syria, or Jordan. These remarks dismiss the legitimate identity and rights of Palestinians and lay the groundwork for policies that could lead to erasure and displacement—echoing genocidal rhetoric.
- Refusal to Acknowledge Occupation: Huckabee’s refusal to acknowledge the term “West Bank” and his insistence on using “Judea and Samaria” while denying the occupied status of the territory is not merely semantic. It reflects a deliberate effort to rewrite history and justify Israeli expansionist policies. Huckabee has stated, “There is no ‘occupation.’ It is a land that is ‘occupied’ by the people who have had a rightful deed to the place for 3,500 years,” implying support for Israeli policies that may facilitate the genocidal removal or marginalization of Palestinians.
CAIR’s letter also documents Hoekstra’s affiliations with anti-Muslim groups and history of inflammatory rhetoric:
- Ties to Anti-Muslim Organizations: Hoekstra has been closely tied to the Gatestone Institute and the David Horowitz Freedom Center—organizations well known for their promotion of Islamophobic and xenophobic views. His association with these groups undermines his ability to serve impartially and raises concerns about his judgment and suitability for representing the United States.
- Inflammatory Statements About Refugees: In various public statements, Hoekstra referred to Muslim refugees as “invaders” and warned that Syrian Muslim migrants could be “the next wave of jihadists in Europe.” This language stokes fear and prejudice, demonizing entire communities and endorsing policies that could lead to their marginalization.
- Promotion of Disproven Conspiracy Theories: As U.S. Ambassador to the Netherlands, Hoekstra infamously claimed there were “Muslim no-go zones” in Europe—an assertion he later retracted under public scrutiny but which demonstrates his willingness to spread unfounded conspiracy theories. He also participated in the 2015 Restoration Weekend organized by the David Horowitz Freedom Center, where sessions featured themes like “Muslim Migration into Europe: Eurabia Come True?”
CAIR argues that these troubling histories disqualify Huckabee and Hoekstra from representing U.S. interests abroad, particularly where building trust and mutual respect is vital for diplomatic success.
In the coming weeks, CAIR will continue to oppose the nominations.
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CONTACT: CAIR National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell, 404-285-9530, e-Mitchell@cair.com; CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw, 202-742-6448, rmccaw@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Manager Ismail Allison, 202-770-6280, iallison@cair.com