Nate Morris Weighs GOP Senate Candidacy Linking With Trump After Past Ties To Both Parties
Nate Morris, founder and CEO of the waste management company Rubicon, is eyeing a potential Republican senatorial run for Mitch McConnell's Kentucky seat, stirring interest with his evolving political affiliations.
According to the Daily Caller, The businessman, with links to both Democratic and Republican figures, is making waves by casting himself as a fervent supporter of former President Donald Trump, while contrasting himself with longtime Senator Mitch McConnell, who will not seek reelection.
Morris's known political engagements began years ago, leading to an intriguing narrative of bipartisan ties. In 2008, he laid the foundations for Rubicon, which grew prominently, drawing influential board members like David Plouffe by 2015. A former advisor to President Barack Obama, Plouffe's alignment with Democratic ideologies brought scrutiny, especially after his notable tweet in 2016 calling for Trump's categorical political defeat.
Morris's Financial Contributions Amid Political Affiliations
Morris's financial activity showcases his diversified political interests. Following the 2020 presidential election, he contributed to Nikki Haley's PAC, Stand for America. This was scrutinized in light of Haley's criticisms of Trump's actions following the Capitol riot on January 6, 2021. As of mid-2024, however, Morris demonstrated his shifting support, donating $50,000 to the Trump 47 Committee, signaling a clearer alignment with the former president's future political endeavors.
Amid these financial engagements, Morris crafted a public narrative portraying steadfast allegiance to Trump, punctuated by controversial statements against his potential rivals and McConnell's legacy.
Campaigning Against McConnell's Legacy
As McConnell announced his decision not to seek another term, Morris quickly positioned himself as a critic of the veteran senator. Expressing dissatisfaction, Morris accused McConnell of undermining Trump, claiming Kentucky needed a senator ""going to fight with President Trump."" Despite limited historical backing for Trump, as evidenced by sporadic supportive tweets post-2020, Morris intensified his pro-Trump rhetoric in recent months.
In a bold strategic move, Morris has also criticized possible Senate competitors. A spokesperson for Morris labeled Daniel Cameron as a McConnell puppet, asserting that Kentuckians would reject a candidate closely tied to the longstanding Senate GOP leader.
The Trilateral Commission Saga
Beyond his company, Morris has sparked interest through his involvement with the Trilateral Commission, a prestigious international NGO. Reports indicate that the organization expunged his affiliation from its online presence as of January 2025. The Commission has not disclosed the reasons for this removal and has declined to comment. This omission stands out, given the Commission's association with prominent figures like Secretary of State Antony Blinken and business magnate Michael Bloomberg.
The resurfacing of this connection marks another layer to Morris's political identity, as he attempts to redefine his public perception from a bipartisan business leader to a staunch Republican contender appealing to Trump's base.
Contradictions and Public Reception
Morris's venture into political waters is compounded by his multifaceted political history. With ties to figures who have opposed Trump, such as Plouffe and indirectly Haley, questions arise about the consistency of his declared political allegiance. Despite this, Morris appears determined to consolidate Trump supporters in Kentucky.
The businessman’s shift has not gone unnoticed, as critics emphasize the incongruity in Morris's political past and future ambitions. The potential GOP candidate may need to offer further clarity on his positions to assuage doubters and galvanize a strong voter base.
The Kentucky Senate Race and Future Prospects
As the race for McConnell's replacement looms, Morris faces the challenge of reconciling his bipartisan past with his newly defined Trump-aligned stance. His criticisms against McConnell and competitors like Cameron signify a campaign strategy pivoting on direct, high-stakes rhetoric.
With McConnell's tenure ending in 2026, Morris contends with an intricate balancing act to present himself as an ideal candidate resonating with Kentucky’s GOP electorate. If he pursues this path, his candidacy could reflect broader trends of political realignment within the Republican Party, emphasizing loyalty to Trump as a critical benchmark.
In conclusion, Nate Morris's potential senatorial campaign introduces a dynamic narrative of political repositioning. Whether he will leverage his unique background to gain a foothold in Kentucky's political landscape remains a developing story, with ramifications extending beyond the borders of the Bluegrass State.