Donald Trump has appointed a special envoy dedicated to fighting antisemitism after the role sat vacant for more than two years.

Elan Carr was announced as special envoy to monitor and combat Jew-hate on Tuesday by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

Mr Pompeo said Mr Carr, a former criminal prosecutor who is also a US Army reservist, has “served as an anti-terrorism expert, and a Jewish community leader" and "played a prominent role in defending the safety of the Jewish people at home and abroad”.

According to the State Department, Mr Carr, who ran for Congress as a Republican in California but lost to Democrat Ted Lieu, is expected to attend conferences on combating antisemitism this week in Slovakia and Belgium.

The Anti-Defamation League welcomed the appointment.

In a statement, it said Mr Carr had “experience prosecuting hate crimes, murders and criminal street gang activity,” making him suitable for the role.

The anti-hate watchdog said it had consistently “urged” the Trump Administration to fill the position, which sat vacant for more than two years at a time of rising antisemitic incidents.

Jonathan Greenblatt, ADL national director, said: “In an environment of rising antisemitism worldwide, this role is critical, and his appointment fills a crucial gap in the Administration.

“Carr knows all too well the scourge of hate. His grandfather was imprisoned after an antisemitic show trial in Iraq, where Elan later served as a U.S. Army judge advocate.

“He has been a leader in the fight against antisemitism on college campuses and has long advocated for working across the aisle to craft thoughtful compromises, including in support of Israel.”