President Donald Trump endorsed Rep. Andy Barr on Friday for the Republican Senate primary in Kentucky, effectively narrowing the field of candidates competing for the nomination.

The endorsement came as Nate Morris, a businessman who had backing from Elon Musk, announced his withdrawal from the race. Morris said he would be joining the Trump administration instead of continuing his Senate campaign.

Morris met with President Trump one day before announcing his decision to exit the race and accept an administration position. The timing of the meeting and subsequent withdrawal cleared a path for Trump's endorsement of the sitting congressman.

Barr, who currently represents Kentucky's 6th Congressional District, now appears to have consolidated support from the Trump wing of the Republican Party for the Senate seat. The endorsement gives him a significant advantage in the primary race.

The Kentucky Senate seat presents an important opportunity for Republicans as they seek to maintain or expand their influence in the upper chamber. Trump's early involvement in the race signals the continued importance of his endorsement in Republican primaries nationwide.