Sarah E. Makin is a human rights advocate, filmmaker, and former U.S. government official with deep expertise in national security policy and international religious freedom. She served in the first Trump administration as Deputy Assistant to the President, Senior Director on the National Security Council, and the President’s Senior Advisor on International Religious Freedom. Prior to that post, Sarah served as Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of Strategic Outreach, Public Liaison, and Intergovernmental Affairs to Vice President Mike Pence. Prior to her time in the White House, Sarah worked on Capitol Hill as a senior policy and coalitions advisor.
Sarah currently operates her own strategic advising firm in Washington, DC, and is a producer of “A Faith Under Siege,” a documentary highlighting the persecution of Christians in Russian-occupied Ukraine.
Her work is dedicated to advancing human rights, defending religious minorities, and countering authoritarian repression. She collaborates regularly with international partners, civil society leaders, and faith communities to promote religious freedom and democratic resilience worldwide.