Full Breakdown
Mike Huckabee's Dual Role: Ambassador to Israel and Relaxium Spokesman
11/25/2025, 10:23:10 PM
Overview of Huckabee's Arrangement
Mike Huckabee, currently serving as President Donald Trump’s U.S. ambassador to Israel, is also a paid spokesperson for the Relaxium dietary supplement, produced by the Florida-based American Behavioral Research Institute. Huckabee's dual role has raised ethical concerns, particularly as he continues to profit from promoting Relaxium, which he has endorsed through television commercials and recorded phone messages.
Financial Ties and Ethical Considerations
Huckabee disclosed that he received $414,683 in endorsement fees from the American Behavioral Research Institute prior to his ambassadorship. He also indicated that he anticipated further residual payments, although the exact amount was "not readily ascertainable." The U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem clarified that the advertisements aired before Huckabee's confirmation and do not identify him as ambassador. They stated that Huckabee has "no legal right" to prevent the company from using his likeness due to a licensing agreement.
Despite his financial ties, Huckabee maintains that he has used Relaxium for several years prior to his role as a spokesperson. The embassy emphasized that "ambassadors need to sleep, too," suggesting that Huckabee's endorsement does not conflict with his diplomatic duties.
Regulatory Scrutiny of Relaxium
The American Behavioral Research Institute has faced scrutiny from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which issued a warning regarding "objectionable conditions" observed during inspections of Relaxium. Additionally, the company was ordered to pay $925,000 due to a complaint from California district attorney offices for failing to notify customers about automatic subscription renewals. These issues have raised questions about the integrity of the product Huckabee endorses.
Criticism from Ethics Experts
Former Office of Government Ethics Director Walter Shaub expressed dismay at Huckabee's continued association with Relaxium, stating, “Oh, for fuck’s sake. These people.” Peter Loge, director of the Project on Ethics in Political Communication at The George Washington University, echoed this sentiment, asserting that government officials should not endorse commercial products, as it could imply they are in public service for private gain.
Official Responses and Future Disclosures
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt affirmed Trump's support for Huckabee, stating, "the president stands by our ambassador." Huckabee is expected to file a personal financial disclosure with the Office of Government Ethics in May, which will detail his financial activities and business relationships during his public service. The U.S. Embassy indicated that any payments Huckabee receives from Relaxium will be included in these annual financial reports.
Conclusion
Huckabee's dual role as ambassador and Relaxium spokesperson continues to attract scrutiny, raising ethical questions about the intersection of public service and private gain. As regulatory issues surround Relaxium and with upcoming financial disclosures, the implications of Huckabee's arrangement remain to be seen.