Kentucky GOP Senate Candidate Criticizes Democratic ‘Land Acknowledgment’ Practice in Viral Video

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — November 22, 2025 — Nate Morris, a Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate from Kentucky, released a video this week criticizing a growing practice among Democrats known as “land acknowledgment,” calling it an anti-American trend that weakens the nation. The video, which has gained significant attention on social media ahead of Thanksgiving, outlines Morris’s concerns about what he describes as misleading historical narratives promoted by the political left.

In the video, Morris, a businessman seeking to unseat the incumbent senator, argues that the land acknowledgment movement, which involves publicly recognizing Indigenous peoples’ historical ties to land before events or speeches, is rooted in inaccurate interpretations of American history. He contends that the practice fosters division rather than unity and detracts from the country’s shared values.

“This fad that’s taken hold on the left, this land acknowledgment, is fundamentally anti-American,” Morris said in the video, according to authorities familiar with the content. “It’s based on selective history that paints our nation in a negative light and weakens our collective resolve.”

The candidate’s remarks come at a time when land acknowledgments have become increasingly common across various institutions, including universities, government agencies, and cultural organizations. Proponents say the acknowledgments are a way to honor Indigenous peoples and recognize their enduring connection to the land.

Critics like Morris argue that such practices emphasize historical grievances and promote a narrative that undermines national pride. He suggests that the focus should instead be on shared progress and the principles that unite Americans.

Morris’s campaign has positioned itself on themes of economic growth, national strength, and traditional values. His comments on the land acknowledgment issue align with broader Republican critiques of what they describe as left-wing cultural trends that they believe erode American identity.

The video’s release just before Thanksgiving, a holiday often associated with reflection on American history and Indigenous relations, appears to be a strategic move to engage voters on cultural issues. Morris’s campaign did not immediately respond to requests for further comment.

Democratic officials and Indigenous advocates have defended land acknowledgments as an important step toward reconciliation and education. They argue that recognizing the history and rights of Native peoples is essential to addressing ongoing inequalities.

The debate over land acknowledgment reflects larger national conversations about history, identity, and how the United States confronts its past. As the Senate race in Kentucky heats up, cultural issues such as this are likely to remain a focal point for candidates on both sides.

Kentucky’s Senate seat is considered competitive in the upcoming election cycle, with Morris seeking to capitalize on conservative voters’ concerns about cultural and political shifts. His critique of the land acknowledgment practice is part of a broader effort to appeal to constituents who favor a more traditional view of American history and patriotism.

As the election approaches, both campaigns are expected to continue addressing cultural topics alongside economic and policy issues, reflecting the diverse priorities of Kentucky voters.