The political landscape of the Republican Party is buzzing with former President Donald Trump’s latest endorsement for the Republican National Committee (RNC) Chair, a move that directly challenges Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’s influence within the state.

Trump has officially thrown his support behind Florida State Senator Joe Gruters, highlighting Gruters’ significant contributions to Republican victories in Florida, including Trump’s own electoral successes. Trump lauded Gruters as a “Fierce Advocate” for the movement and emphasized his dedication to a “highly functioning, fiscally responsible, and financially successful RNC.”

Despite Gruters’ close ties to Donald Trump, his relationship with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has been notably strained for an extended period. This endorsement brings their long-standing political friction to the forefront, particularly as Gruters aims to succeed Michael Whatley as RNC Chair, a critical position within the Republican Party.

Ron DeSantis has not shied away from publicly criticizing Joe Gruters, specifically referencing a legislative veto that he claimed was necessary to prevent certain political operations from becoming illegal. The Governor stressed the importance of public awareness regarding politicians who might “betray” their supporters despite claiming loyalty, emphasizing the ongoing Florida politics.

Joe Gruters’ political career spans several key roles, serving in the Florida Senate since 2018 and previously in the Florida House of Representatives from 2016 to 2018. His tenure as chair of the Florida Republican Party from 2019 to 2023 further solidifies his deep roots within the state’s political machine and highlights the broader Republican infighting.

Adding another layer to the rivalry, Gruters had initially filed to run for Florida Chief Financial Officer in 2026, a position to which Ron DeSantis recently appointed State Senator Blaise Ingoglia. This development set the stage for a direct primary confrontation, intensified by Donald Trump’s subsequent endorsement of Joe Gruters for RNC Chair, further shaping Florida politics.

The situation escalated with pollster Tony Fabrizio, a former Trump campaign associate, criticizing DeSantis’s appointment as a “direct rebuke to the MAGA agenda.” Fabrizio’s statement, obtained by an unnamed outlet, underscored the deep division, leading to Trump’s reaffirmation of his “Complete and Total Endorsement” for Joe Gruters and Jennifer Saul-Rich, declaring they “WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!”