President Donald Trump endorsed Florida Senator Joe Gruters for RNC chair, ignoring Gruters’ controversial record and sparking outrage over yet another “swamp” appointment that undermines his drain-the-swamp promises.
Why it matters: Trump’s endorsement of Gruters, despite his more liberal-leaning viewpoints, could distance him from his main supporters. This decision underscores a recurring theme of Trump choosing individuals who don’t fully align with MAGA ideals, which could intensify frustrations within his base about unfulfilled promises.
Driving the news: Trump declared on Truth Social that he gives Gruters his “Complete and Total Endorsement” to succeed Michael Whatley as the RNC chair, commending him amidst Whatley’s anticipated Senate campaign.
Gruters, RNC treasurer and former Florida GOP chair, was set for a CFO run against a DeSantis ally, but DeSantis opposed him.
Trump’s post: “Fortunately, I have somebody who will do a wonderful job as the Chairman of the RNC. His name is Joe Gruters.”
The move comes as Gruters faces scrutiny for past legislation seen as liberal, amplifying betrayal claims.
Catch up quick: Gruters, 48, has made significant strides within the GOP but has faced criticism for championing legislation that sidesteps traditional conservative beliefs. His stance on issues such as anti-discrimination protections and marijuana has led to disagreements with both Trump and DeSantis on significant matters.
The intrigue: Trump’s endorsement ignores Gruters’ opposition from DeSantis, who called his positions “contrary” to the base, suggesting internal power plays or overlooked “swamp” ties amid RNC reshuffles.
Between the lines: Selecting Gruters, despite his record, could signal Trump’s prioritization of loyalty over ideology, further eroding faith in his anti-establishment rhetoric as base demands grow louder. is now essential to quell the controversy.
Conclusion: Trump’s Gruters pick reeks of hypocrisy, betraying his base’s anti-swamp mantra and risking revolt—full vetting of appointees is now critical to restore credibility.
Controversial Actions Joe Gruters is Supporting:
- Pro-LGBTQ Stances: Sponsored SB 438 (Florida Inclusive Workforce Act) and SB 1126, adding sexual orientation and gender identity as protected classes, criticized for undermining religious liberty.
- Support for Red Flag Laws: Voted for the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Act (SB 7026) implementing Extreme Risk Protection Orders, seen as infringing on Second Amendment rights.
- Support for Online Sales Tax: Championed SB 50, enforcing sales tax on online purchases, labeled the largest tax hike in Florida history.
- Removal of Second Amendment Committee: Eliminated the GOP’s Second Amendment committee as party chair, drawing gun rights backlash.
- Inconsistent Pro-Life Stance: Sponsored a 20-week abortion ban (SB 558) and supported the six-week ban (SB 300), but criticized for not being absolute, allowing earlier abortions.
- Support for Marijuana Legalization: Endorsed Amendment 3 for recreational marijuana, conflicting with Trump’s concerns about fentanyl-laced marijuana and public safety.
- Beach Smoking Ban Proposal: Proposed banning smoking at public beaches, criticized as government overreach.
- Role in “Don’t Say Gay” Bill: Advanced HB 1557 as Senate Education Chairman, seen as inconsistent with his prior LGBTQ support.
- Insurance Investment Controversy: Pitched investments in a property insurer after voting for tort reform, raising conflict-of-interest concerns.
- Sexual Harassment Allegations: Faced a 2021 investigation for alleged sexual harassment, damaging his credibility despite no charges.
- Ghost Candidate Scandal: Oversaw a 2020 election scandal as Florida GOP chair, tied to Data Targeting, Inc., accused of hypocrisy in his election integrity role.
