Courtesy of Kentucky Lantern
June 2, 2026

President Donald Trump has nominated former Republican U.S. Senate candidate Nate Morris to become ambassador to Colombia. 

Morris’ nomination was among dozens sent to the U.S. Senate Monday evening. The chamber has confirmation power over the president’s appointees. 

Morris had been one of several Republicans vying to succeed Kentucky U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell, but he dropped out of the race ahead of the primary last month after Trump endorsed another GOP candidate, U.S. Rep. Andy Barr. 

Trump said on Truth Social at the time that he had met with Morris and “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,” the president said. “He has a great future in politics, or anything else he chooses to do.” 

Barr won the Republican primary and now faces Democrat Charles Booker in the general election. 

Morris is a Lexington businessman who founded waste and recycling company Rubicon. He is the chairman and CEO of Morris Industries.

Throughout his campaign, Morris was highly critical of McConnell and had support from some of the presidents’ allies. Morris announced his campaign on Donald Trump Jr.’s “Triggered” podcast and highlighted his friendship with Vice President JD Vance. Elon Musk, the billionaire and former special government employee who oversaw DOGE, gave $10 million to a PAC supporting Morris.

Kentucky Lantern is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Kentucky Lantern maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Linda Blackford for questions: info@kentuckylantern.com.