WASHINGTON Reuters – Former football star Herschel Walker has been nominated by President-elect Donald Trump to serve as the U.S. ambassador to The Bahamas. Trump announced the decision on Tuesday through his Truth Social platform.
Walker, who ran for the U.S. Senate in Georgia in 2022, lost to Democratic Senator Raphael Warnock. He had been one of Trump’s key endorsements during that election.
Walker strongly opposed abortion but faced controversy over claims that he paid for two women to have abortions, which he denied.
He was also known for making unusual comments on policy issues, including a discussion about werewolves and vampires that gained attention online.
The United States has had diplomatic relations with The Bahamas since 1973, when the country gained independence from the United Kingdom.
The Bahamas is a popular destination for U.S. tourists, with about 80% of its 7 million annual visitors coming from the United States.
Trade between the two nations totals $7.3 billion a year, with the U.S. enjoying a $3.8 billion trade surplus, according to the State Department.