U.S. President-Elect Donald Trump announced today that he intends to nominate Herschel Walker, the former NFL star and 2022 Republican Senate candidate, as the next U.S. Ambassador to The Bahamas upon taking office next year.
In a statement, Trump praised Walker as a “successful businessman, philanthropist, and NFL great” who, he said, would bring invaluable leadership to the diplomatic post.
Walker, who is best known for his career as a running back in the NFL, has also made headlines in recent years for his political ambitions. In 2022, he ran as the Republican candidate for Georgia’s U.S. Senate seat against incumbent Democrat Raphael Warnock.
While Walker faced allegations of domestic abuse during his campaign, including accusations of past violent behavior, he remained a prominent figure in the GOP, with Trump offering his full endorsement during the race.
Known for his outspoken anti-abortion views, Walker’s political profile has attracted both strong support and criticism. His nomination as ambassador to The Bahamas, if confirmed, would represent a new chapter in his public service career, this time focusing on diplomacy rather than domestic politics.
The post of U.S. Ambassador to The Bahamas has been vacant for several years. Nicole Avant served in the position from 2009 to 2011 under President Barack Obama, and the post has remained unfilled since then.
Cassandra Butts was nominated for the role in 2014, but her nomination tragically ended following her death before confirmation.
In 2017, Trump nominated Doug “Papa” Manchester for the post, but Manchester withdrew his nomination in 2019 amid controversy.
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