rights
Trump's ambassador mocked over warning that jet skis pose "serious risk" of sexual assault
By Daniel Villarreal at LGBTQ Nation
· June 16, 2026
· 2 min read
In a bizarre video that is being compared to a Saturday Night Live sketch, the office of the U.S. Ambassador to The Bahamas, led by appointee Herschel Walker, warned Americans visiting the archipelagic country that "Jet ski rentals pose a serious risk of injury, death, and sexual assault.” In the vi
Key takeaway Ambassador to The Bahamas, led by appointee Herschel Walker, warned Americans visiting the archipelagic country that "Jet ski rentals pose a serious risk of injury, death, and sexual assault.
Why this matters
The warning issued by the U.S. Ambassador to The Bahamas about the risks associated with jet ski rentals, including sexual assault, has been met with widespread mockery. However, this incident also highlights the concerns surrounding the appointment of ambassadors who may not be equipped to handle sensitive issues, particularly those related to LGBTQ+ rights. Herschel Walker's past statements on same-sex marriage and transgender individuals have been widely criticized, and his handling of this safety alert has raised further questions about his ability to effectively represent the U.S. government. The fact that the U.S. government has banned its employees from renting jet skis in The Bahamas suggests that there are legitimate concerns about safety, but the clumsy messaging has overshadowed the actual warning. This incident may have national implications, as it reflects on the Trump administration's approach to appointing ambassadors and the potential consequences for LGBTQ+ individuals and other marginalized communities.
About this story
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Category: rights ·
Published: June 16, 2026 ·
Source: LGBTQ Nation ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? In a bizarre video that is being compared to a Saturday Night Live sketch, the office of the U.S. Ambassador to The Bahamas, led by appointee Herschel Walker, warned Americans visiting the archipelagic country that "Jet ski rentals pose a serious risk of injury, death, and sexual assault.” In the vi
When was this published? This article was first published on June 16, 2026 by LGBTQ Nation and curated for LGBTQ News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Daniel Villarreal at LGBTQ Nation. To learn more about how LGBTQ News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more rights coverage from LGBTQ News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .