Cuba says Trump’s fresh sanctions on its economy amount to ‘collective punishment’
Cuba says Trump's new sanctions are collective punishment against its people
The Guardian World1 min read
Trump shakes up Kentucky Senate race with endorsement of Rep. Andy Barr
TL;DR
President Trump endorsed Rep. Andy Barr for the Kentucky Senate race, boosting his chances in the GOP primary. This endorsement comes as Trump urged Nate Morris to withdraw and take a role in his administration.
Key points
- Trump endorsed Rep. Andy Barr for the Kentucky Senate race
- Barr is competing against Daniel Cameron in the GOP primary
- Trump asked Nate Morris to withdraw and join his administration
Mentioned in this story
Donald TrumpAndy BarrNate MorrisDaniel CameronTrump administrationMAGA
President Donald Trump endorsed a Republican congressmember to replace Sen. Mitch McConnell while rejecting a self-styled MAGA candidate with backing from Elon Musk.
Trump announced his support Friday for Rep. Andy Barr in the Kentucky Republican primary, shortly after he said he asked businessperson Nate Morris to drop out of the race and take an unspecified role in the Trump administration.
The endorsement gives Barr a massive boost to win the GOP nomination over former Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron in the deep-red state.
“I know Andy well, and he is always a Vote we can count on because he knows what it takes to GET THINGS DONE and, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!” Trump said on social media.
Trump said he asked Morris to serve as an ambassador but did not specify the exact diplomatic post, while praising him as a “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,” Trump said.
Morris endorsed Barr in a social media post, and called on “all Kentuckians to rally behind our next Senator.”
Morris has self-financed his campaign to stay financially competitive with Barr. But he did receive a significant investment from Elon Musk, who dropped $10 million into his campaign, according to federal campaign finance records from earlier this year.
The primary had been defined by Barr, Cameron and Morris seeking to distance themselves from McConnell, the lion of the Kentucky GOP who has grown into a Trump adversary and condemned the president for the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol.
That maneuvering away from McConnell speaks to the power of Trump’s endorsement in the state, Kentucky Republican strategist Tres Watson said. He noted that Cameron will be familiar with the gift Trump has given Barr — Cameron won the GOP primary for governor in 2023 after getting Trump’s backing.
“It's all over but the shouting,” Watson said. “Donald Trump's endorsement effectively ends this campaign and Andy Barr can begin to turn his attention to the general election."
Barr’s allies celebrated Trump’s endorsement. Former Kentucky Senate Majority Leader Damon Thayer said it shows that Barr has run a “perfect race” thus far.
Q&A
Why did Trump endorse Andy Barr for the Kentucky Senate race?
Trump endorsed Andy Barr because he believes Barr is a reliable vote and capable of getting things done.
What impact does Trump's endorsement have on the Kentucky GOP primary?
Trump's endorsement significantly boosts Andy Barr's chances of winning the GOP nomination against Daniel Cameron.
Who is Nate Morris and what role did Trump suggest for him?
Nate Morris is a businessperson whom Trump asked to withdraw from the Senate race and suggested he take an unspecified role in the Trump administration.
