(Source: AP) Herschel Walker, the former NFL star and football legend, has been appointed by President-elect Donald Trump to serve as the U.S. Ambassador to the Bahamas. Trump made the announcement Tuesday via a post on Truth Social, his social media platform, where he praised Walker as a “successful businessman, philanthropist, and former Heisman Trophy winner.”
Walker, 61, is best known for his illustrious football career, both at the University of Georgia and in the NFL. His fame played a key role in his unsuccessful bid for U.S. Senate in Georgia in 2022, where he ran as a Republican against Democratic incumbent Raphael Warnock. Despite receiving Trump’s endorsement, Walker’s campaign struggled with controversies, including allegations involving payments for ex-girlfriends’ abortions, which clashed with his outspoken opposition to abortion.
Although he lost the Senate race, Walker remained a vocal supporter of Trump and campaigned for him in Georgia during the 2024 election cycle.
To officially assume the role of ambassador, Walker’s nomination must be approved by the Republican-led Senate next year.
Trump also made several other diplomatic announcements on Tuesday, including the nomination of art collector Nicole McGraw as the U.S. Ambassador to Croatia. The President-elect has been known for appointing loyal allies to key positions, such as nominating Charles Kushner, the father of Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, as ambassador to France, and Rep. Elise Stefanik as his choice for U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations.
Trump has also selected former Georgia Senator David Perdue as U.S. Ambassador to China, and another former senator from Georgia, Kelly Loeffler, to lead the Small Business Administration.
Walker’s nomination to the Bahamas is expected to draw attention, particularly given his high-profile political and sports background, though the confirmation process in the Senate will determine whether the appointment moves forward
