President-elect Donald Trump has nominated former football star Herschel Walker as the next U.S. ambassador to The Bahamas, according to a post on his Truth Social platform Tuesday. Walker, who was Trump’s early and vocal supporter in the 2022 Senate race in Georgia, had previously lost the election to Democratic Senator Raphael Warnock.
Walker, a Republican, was a staunch opponent of abortion during his campaign, despite facing allegations that he had paid for two women to have abortions—claims he denied. Throughout his Senate run, he also made headlines for policy gaffes and sometimes bizarre remarks, including a notable commentary on werewolves and vampires.
The Bahamas has been a U.S. ally since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1973, following the island nation’s independence from the United Kingdom. The U.S. is a major trade and tourism partner, with approximately 80% of the Bahamas’ 7 million annual tourists coming from the United States. The trade relationship between the two countries is valued at $7.3 billion, with the U.S. maintaining a $3.8 billion trade surplus.
Trump’s nomination of Walker continues his trend of selecting high-profile allies for key diplomatic positions.
Key Points:
- Trump’s Nomination: President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Herschel Walker, the former football star, as the U.S. ambassador to The Bahamas.
- Walker’s Political Background: Walker, a Republican, previously ran for the U.S. Senate in Georgia in 2022 but lost to Democratic Senator Raphael Warnock.
- Controversial Campaign: During his Senate campaign, Walker faced allegations of paying for two women’s abortions, which he denied. He was also known for policy gaffes and strange public remarks, including comments about werewolves and vampires.
- U.S.-Bahamas Relations: The U.S. established diplomatic relations with The Bahamas in 1973. The Bahamas is a key U.S. trade and tourism partner, with approximately 80% of its 7 million annual tourists coming from the U.S.
- Trade Relations: The trade relationship between the U.S. and The Bahamas is valued at $7.3 billion annually, with the U.S. holding a $3.8 billion trade surplus.