Georgia Republican Herschel Walker is President-elect Trump’s nominee to become the U.S. ambassador to the Bahamas.
“Herschel has spent decades serving as an Ambassador to our Nation’s youth, our men and women in the Military, and athletes at home and abroad,” Trump posted on his Truth Social platform.
Trump supported Walker’s failed 2022 Senate campaign, which was narrowly lost to Democrat Raphael Warnock despite a slew of embarrassing revelations about the football star’s personal and professional life.
Two women came forward during that campaign claiming Walker paid for their abortions, despite his anti-abortion political rhetoric. He denied the accusations. It also became known during that run for office that Walker had two sons he never mentioned.
A 2022 investigative report by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution found Walker’s business dealings were rife with “exaggerated claims” and included lawsuits from creditors. Walker also made claims about his involvement in law enforcement — including supposedly having been an FBI agent — that were false or misleading.
The 1982 Heisman Trophy winner and Trump loyalist began his professional football career with the USFL’s New Jersey Generals, where Trump later became a team owner. Walker was a star running back at the University of Georgia for three years before signing with the Generals.
Despite stating many inaccuracies about his academic achievements in the past, the 62-year-old politician finally earned his college degree last week.
“It’s never too late!” he posted on social media.
Walker had previously claimed to have graduated from college in the top 1% of his class. He also claimed to have been his high school’s valedictorian, though CNN found there was no evidence that boast was true.
Walker graciously conceded defeat after his “tough journey” to become a U.S. Senator ended.
“I don’t want any of you to stop believing in America,” he told supporters at his concession speech.
Diplomat Kimberly Furnish has served as Chargé d’Affaires to the Bahamas since June. There is currently no ambassador. Walker’s nomination will need to be approved by the incoming Senate.