Former football star and longtime Trump ally, Herschel Walker, has been nominated by President-elect Trump to serve as the U.S. ambassador to the Bahamas. This announcement comes just a few years after Walker's unsuccessful Senate bid in Georgia, a race heavily supported by Trump. The president-elect praised Walker's decades of service to the nation's youth, military personnel, and athletes, highlighting his previous role as co-chair of the President's Council on Sports, Fitness and Nutrition.

Walker's connection with Trump dates back to the 1980s when he played for the New Jersey Generals, a USFL team owned by Trump. He remained a staunch supporter throughout Trump's political career, actively campaigning for him in the 2020 presidential election. Walker's foray into politics began in 2021 with a Senate campaign in Georgia, encouraged by Trump. However, the campaign was marked by controversy and personal revelations, ultimately leading to a narrow defeat against incumbent Senator Raphael Warnock in a runoff election.

Walker's nomination follows a pattern of Trump selecting former Georgia Senate candidates for positions in his administration. Both David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler, who lost their Senate seats in previous elections, have been tapped for ambassadorial and administrative roles, respectively. This recent appointment also coincides with Walker's graduation from the University of Georgia, 42 years after his last attendance.