President Donald Trump cleared the way for Rep. Andy Barr (R-KY) in the Kentucky Senate race, bestowing a coveted endorsement and asking chief rival Nate Morris to step aside.
In two posts on Truth Social, Trump commended both candidates, but said he was endorsing Barr and offering Morris an ambassadorship instead.
“Andy is the only Candidate who will easily defeat the Democrat in what will be one of the most important Elections in American History. He will help ensure Victory against these Radical Left, Country Destroying, THUGS. Andy Barr has my Complete and Total Endorsement to be the next United States Senator from Kentucky,” Trump wrote.
In an earlier post, Trump first said he had a “great meeting” with Morris, hailing him as a “terrific businessman and strong MAGA Warrior.”
“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,” the president wrote, saying Morris’s new role would be announced soon.
Barr and Morris were in a tight race, with each boasting impressive MAGA credentials. Morris announced his run in an appearance on Donald Trump Jr.’s podcast and was the last candidate endorsed by conservative activist Charlie Kirk before his assassination in September.
Morris, who was backed by Elon Musk and other MAGA figures, was quick to endorse Barr on Friday.
“Like President Trump said, Andy knows what it takes to get things done and deliver BIG for the America First agenda,” Morris wrote on X. “It’s time for all Kentuckians to rally behind our next Senator, Andy Barr!”
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Barr will still face former Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron in the May 19 Senate GOP primary. Given Kentucky’s strong Republican lean, Trump’s backing makes Barr the heavy favorite in the contest.
The winner of the GOP Senate primary is all but assured to replace Trump foe, Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY). McConnell, 84, is retiring rather than seek another term in the seat he’s held since 1985.