Trump Names Brian Burch as Ambassador to the Holy See
WASHINGTON, D.C. – President-elect Donald Trump announced on Dec. 20, 2024, that he has selected Brian Burch, the president and co-founder of CatholicVote, as the United States ambassador to the Holy See. Trump shared the news on Truth Social, describing Burch as a “devout Catholic” and a leader who has made significant contributions to Catholic advocacy.
“Brian is a devout Catholic, a father of nine, and president of CatholicVote,” Trump wrote in his post. “He has received numerous awards and demonstrated exceptional leadership, helping build one of the largest Catholic advocacy groups in the country.”
A Strong Advocate for Catholic Values
CatholicVote, a political advocacy group founded by Burch, endorsed Trump during the 2024 presidential election and ran advertisements supporting his campaign. The organization reportedly spent over $10 million during the election cycle, with some of its ads targeting Vice President Kamala Harris on issues such as taxpayer-funded transgender surgeries for minors.
Trump praised Burch’s role in securing the Catholic vote, noting, “[Burch] represented me well during the last election, having garnered more Catholic votes than any presidential candidate in history!” Exit polls from The Washington Post showed Trump winning the Catholic vote by a 15-point margin—a 10-point swing in his favor compared to the previous election.
Burch’s Commitment to Church and Country
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Burch expressed gratitude for the nomination. “The Catholic Church is the largest and most important religious institution in the world, and its relationship to the United States is of vital importance,” he wrote. “I am committed to working with leaders inside the Vatican and the new administration to promote the dignity of all people and the common good.”
Burch also thanked his family and colleagues for their support, paying tribute to his late father, who he credited with teaching him to love both the Church and the responsibilities of citizenship. “To God be the glory,” Burch wrote.
A Distinguished Career
Burch, who resides in the Chicago suburbs, is a graduate of the University of Dallas, a private Catholic institution. He is the author of A New Catholic Moment: Donald Trump and the Politics of the Common Good and has received prestigious awards, including the Cardinal O’Connor Defender of the Faith Award from Legatus International and the St. Thomas More Award for Catholic Citizenship from Catholic Citizens of Illinois.
Continuing a Legacy of Diplomacy
As ambassador, Burch will represent the United States in its diplomatic relations with the Holy See, which were formally established in 1984 under President Ronald Reagan. Trump’s previous pick for the role during his first term, Callista Gingrich, served from 2017 to 2021. President Joe Biden’s selection, former Senator Joe Donnelly, stepped down earlier this year.
Burch’s appointment underscores Trump’s commitment to strengthening ties with the Catholic Church and promoting shared values between the United States and the Holy See. With his extensive background in advocacy and Catholic leadership, Burch is expected to play a pivotal role in advancing the administration’s priorities on the global stage.