Trump: Nate Morris to step aside from Kentucky US Senate race, become ambassador
President Donald Trump has asked Nate Morris, a Lexington businessman running for U.S. Senate in Kentucky, to bow out of the Republican primary and become an ambassador.
Trump posted the message Friday to his Truth Social platform, praising Morris and hinting at an endorsement among the remaining Republicans in the running to replace longtime Sen. Mitch McConnell.
“Nate is a terrific businessman and strong MAGA Warrior. I will be making an Endorsement for U.S. Senate in Kentucky shortly, but I’ve asked Nate to step aside from that Race to take a role in my Administration as an Ambassador. Nate is Oxford educated, tough as nails, LOVES our Great Nation, and will represent the United States very well, overseas, or otherwise. He has a great future in politics, or anything else he chooses to do,” Trump wrote.
Morris was a first-time candidate. Despite significant self-funding and a boost from political action committees, one of which scored a $10 million donation from world’s richest man Elon Musk, Morris regularly trailed both Rep. Andy Barr and former state Attorney General Daniel Cameron.
In a later post, Trump wrote that he would endorse Barr over Cameron.
Trump said he had a meeting with Morris Thursday.
A Morris spokesperson confirmed the meeting in a statement to the Herald-Leader, stating that Morris would take the yet-unspecified role.
“When President Trump asks you to serve your nation, you answer the call. I am incredibly proud to be a part of the Trump Administration, representing Kentucky and America on the global stage and fighting for the America First agenda,” Morris wrote in a statement.
Morris also offered his endorsement of Barr for the Senate seat.
Trump’s endorsement is widely seen as powerful in Kentucky, where Trump won by more than 30 points.
The story was updated with additional information.
This story was originally published May 1, 2026 at 7:09 PM.
