The Tribune

THE United States Embassy in Nassau announced yesterday that Herschel Walker has officially assumed his post as the fourteenth US Ambassador to The Bahamas after presenting his credentials to Governor General Dame Cynthia Pratt at Government House.

Mr Walker was confirmed by the US Senate on October 7, and sworn in at the White House on October 17.

The embassy said he will immediately begin meeting Bahamian government officials and leaders in business, education, culture, and sports, while also receiving briefings from embassy staff responsible for security and consular matters.

In a statement, Mr Walker said he is honoured to serve and looks forward to strengthening ties between the two countries and engaging with communities across The Bahamas.

Mr Walker becomes the first US Ambassador to The Bahamas since Nicole Avant’s departure in 2011. The official residence, Liberty Overlook, has been readied for occupancy after more than a decade of vacancy.

He was nominated in December 2024 by President Donald Trump, a longtime associate, and confirmed by the US Senate in a 51–47 vote. During his September confirmation hearing, Mr Walker said his priorities would include countering China’s influence in the region, strengthening anti-drug-trafficking efforts with the DEA and regional partners, and encouraging US investment to support Bahamian economic growth.

A household name in American sports, Mr Walker’s career spans college football, the NFL, Olympic bobsledding and mixed martial arts. He also served as the national spokesperson for the Patriot Support Programme, visiting military bases to promote mental health support and share his own experiences. From 2017 to 2021, he co-chaired the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness and Nutrition, and for more than 18 years he led National Health Through Fitness Day, helping connect fitness advocates with lawmakers.

He later entered national politics, running for the US Senate in Georgia in 2022 as a Republican candidate. His campaign was overshadowed by controversy, including allegations of domestic abuse and claims that he paid for a girlfriend’s abortion despite publicly opposing abortion.

Mr Walker’s arrival brings an end to years of unsuccessful nominations. Since Ambassador Avant’s departure, several nominees failed to advance: Cassandra Butts, who died before her hearing; Trump nominees Doug Manchester and William Douglass, whose nominations were withdrawn; and President Biden’s nominee, Calvin ww, who never proceeded to confirmation.