U.S. Envoy Aide Sparks Controversy Over Wedding Gift Request
A fierce controversy erupted in the U.S. after reports claimed a senior adviser to Ambassador Mike Huckabee solicited cash wedding gifts, drawing sharp denials.
A fierce controversy has erupted in the United States following reports that David Milstein, a senior adviser to U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee and the stepson of conservative media personality Mark Levin, asked Israeli citizens to transfer cash gifts ahead of his upcoming wedding. The report was initially published by the Playbook media outlet and subsequently covered by Politico, sparking sharp reactions from Levin and Huckabee, who dismissed the report as a "hit piece" and rejected the allegations against Milstein.
Wedding Invitation and Correction
According to the reports, on September 16, Milstein, who holds a top-secret security clearance, sent out wedding invitations via Paperless Post. The invitation included an option to transfer a "cash wedding gift" in dollars or shekels alongside a QR code. Hours after Playbook inquired whether he had obtained approval for this from the State Department and the White House, a revised message was sent to guests stating that the invitation to provide gifts was sent unintentionally to the broader guest list and that no gifts of any kind could be accepted. It remains unclear whether any funds were transferred before the codes were removed.
Intelligence Concerns and Denials
An anonymous official in the U.S. intelligence community told Politico that Milstein represents a "walking intelligence red flag," adding that the mere request for funds was "completely astounding." Mark Levin fiercely defended his stepson, accusing Politico of running a "disgusting hit piece" and stating that President Donald Trump was right to restrict the outlet's access. Ambassador Mike Huckabee also joined the defense, calling the publication an outrageous hit piece and echoing criticisms of mainstream media outlets.
