Republican candidate for senator Nate Morris dropped out of the Kentucky race Friday shortly after President Donald Trump released a statement saying he had asked Morris to step out of the race.
Trump said he made the announcement after meeting with Morris on Thursday and framed him as a “terrific businessman and strong MAGA warrior” who would do better serving in his administration as a yet-unannounced ambassador, according to his Truth Social post.
“Nate is Oxford-educated, tough as nails, LOVES our Great Nation, and will represent the United States very well, overseas or otherwise,” Trump said. “He has a great future in politics or anything else he chooses to do.” (RELATED: Trump’s Ploy To Blow Off Congress Over Iran War Not Playing Well With Legal Scholars)
“When President Trump asks you to serve your nation, you answer the call,” Morris’ campaign told the Daily Caller, adding that Morris is proud to be a part of the Trump administration.
Trump followed up the announcement with an endorsement in the Kentucky race of Republican Rep. Andy Barr.
WASHINGTON, DC – OCTOBER 13: U.S. Rep. Andy Barr (R-KY) arrives to a House Republican caucus meeting at the Longworth House Office Building on October 13, 2023 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
“I endorsed Andy years ago, in his first Race, and all others, for Congress, and he never let me down,” Trump said of Barr.
Morris joined in endorsing Barr in a X statement. “Like President Trump said, Andy knows what it takes to get things done and deliver BIG for the America First agenda.”
I’m incredibly proud to join President Trump in endorsing @BarrForSenate. Like President Trump said, Andy knows what it takes to get things done and deliver BIG for the America First agenda.
It’s time for all Kentuckians to rally behind our next Senator, Andy Barr! pic.twitter.com/1YjGRezI1Z
— Nate Morris (@NateMorris) May 1, 2026
“It’s time for all Kentuckians to rally behind our next senator, Andy Barr!” Morris said.
Morris, Barr and former Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron have been competing for the soon-to-be-vacant seat of retiring Republican Sen. Mitch McConnell. However, Morris has previously blasted his opponents and linked them to Kentucky Sen. Mitch McConnel.
Morris has said that Barr and Cameron would be “puppets” for McConnell, whom he framed as having sabotaged Trump’s agenda.
Nate Morris started running this video ad yesterday on Facebook + Instagram – going after both Mitch McConnell and some of his likely GOP primary competitors (Andy Barr, Daniel Cameron)
“Let’s dump career politicians and take out the trash in Washington.” https://t.co/HufD5yvnBI pic.twitter.com/qSlQ0Dbr73
— Andrew Arenge (@MrArenge) June 28, 2025
Barr said he was “honored to have President Donald J. Trump’s complete and total endorsement!”
Barr’s campaign pointed the Caller to a statement made by Barr, who said that he is thankful for Morris’ friendship and noted that his “passion for serving our fellow Kentuckians and his dedication to the MAGA movement made him a great candidate and will make him an incredible ambassador.”
“Congrats to Mitch McConnel for getting his guy,” Brandon Moody, general consultant for Cameron’s campaign, told the Caller.
Cameron is staying in the race, his campaign told the Caller.
Editor’s note: This story was updated with a statement from Barr.