President Donald Trump has nominated Chabad rabbi Yehuda Kaploun as the US’ Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism.
The announcement was shared via Trump’s Truth Social account on Thursday.
Kaploun, an Orthodox Jewish entrepreneur and rabbi based in Miami, has maintained a long-standing relationship with Trump.
He led Jewish outreach efforts for Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign and has played an active role in Jewish community initiatives.
He is the co-founder and president of RussKap Water, a company focused on atmospheric water generation, and helped to establish the Moses and Aaron Foundation, which supports children with special needs and their families.
In his statement, Trump described Kaploun as a “dedicated defender of the Jewish faith and the rights of Jewish people to live and worship without fear,” emphasising that “as antisemitism rises globally, Yehuda will serve as a powerful advocate for Jewish communities in the US and around the world while promoting peace.”
Should the Senate confirm his nomination, Kaploun would take over from Deborah Lipstadt, a renowned scholar of antisemitism appointed by former President Joe Biden.
While the envoy’s role, which is given equal weight to that of an ambassador, is largely focused on addressing antisemitism internationally, the position has taken on more domestic relevance in response to increasing incidents in the United States.
His appointment comes as the Department of Education conducts an official investigation into alleged antisemitism in American higher education and the State Department seeks to deport several students connected to pro-Palestine campus protests.
