This is going to cause a shakeup in Trump’s MAGA stronghold.
President Donald Trump is shaking up the GOP again—this time by endorsing longtime ally Joe Gruters to lead the Republican National Committee against Ron DeSantis’ wishes.
Gruters, a Florida State Senator and loyal MAGA champion, has officially thrown his hat in the ring to become the next RNC Chair. His bid comes just as current Chairman Michael Whatley launches a U.S. Senate campaign in North Carolina, leaving the top GOP position wide open.
🔴 Trump Picks MAGA Fighter Over Establishment
In a powerful Truth Social endorsement, Trump made his position crystal clear:
“Joe Gruters has been a fierce MAGA fighter, playing a key role in securing major victories for us in Florida—including my wins in 2016, 2020, and 2024. As RNC Treasurer, he’s championed America First principles with tireless dedication and strong leadership. He’d make an outstanding Chairman!”
Trump’s message? The Republican Party belongs to the grassroots—not the political insiders.
⚔️ Tensions Boil Between Trump and DeSantis
Gruters has had a rocky relationship with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. The divide became public earlier this year when DeSantis vetoed an immigration bill backed by Gruters and called the legislation “weak, weak, weak.”
“If I hadn’t vetoed that bill, our current border enforcement efforts would have been made illegal,” DeSantis warned in a July speech. “Gruters and his allies talk tough but fold under pressure.”
The governor also accused Gruters of betraying conservative voters behind closed doors.
“These guys act like they’re with you—but when no one’s watching, they cave. And it’s the voters who pay the price,” DeSantis added.
🇺🇸 MAGA Loyalty vs. Political Ambition
Gruters has been a rising star in Trump’s orbit for years. He served as chair of the Florida GOP, represented the Sarasota area in both the House and Senate, and was named RNC Treasurer earlier this year.
He also launched a campaign for Florida Chief Financial Officer, but DeSantis dealt a blow to those plans by appointing a rival—State Senator Blaise Ingoglia—in a move seen as an anti-Trump statement.
Pollster Tony Fabrizio, who worked on Trump’s campaign, blasted the decision:
“Choosing a Never-Trumper for CFO instead of Trump’s pick is a clear slap at the MAGA movement. Like DeSantis’ other moves against President Trump, this one is likely to backfire.”
✅ Trump Doubles Down: “He’ll Never Let You Down!”
President Trump isn’t backing down. He went further, endorsing both Gruters and GOP strategist Jennifer Saul-Rich as the team to restore integrity and strength to the Republican Party.
“Joe Gruters and Jennifer Saul-Rich are true America First patriots,” Trump wrote. “They’ll deliver big wins for Republicans across the country. I give them my full and unwavering endorsement!”
To win the RNC chairmanship, Gruters must secure a majority vote from committee members nationwide—but with Trump’s full backing, the path may already be clearing.