President-elect Donald Trump has made it clear to Florida Governor Ron DeSantis that he would like Lara Trump, his daughter-in-law, to replace Senator Marco Rubio if he steps down to take a cabinet position. However, it remains uncertain whether DeSantis will heed this request, as the situation is complicated by both political rivalry and questions about Lara Trump’s qualifications.
The Washington Post reported that Trump has reportedly urged DeSantis to appoint Lara Trump to fill Rubio's Senate seat, but DeSantis is weighing other options, possibly preferring a more experienced political figure.
The uncertainty stems from Lara Trump’s previous reluctance to enter the political arena. Despite her interest in replacing Rubio, she had previously rejected speculation about running for a Senate seat in North Carolina in 2021.
At that time, Lara Trump stated, “I am saying no for now, not no forever.” More recently, in an interview with the Associated Press, Lara Trump expressed that she would “seriously consider” the position if offered the opportunity.
The position became vacant when Rubio, who has represented Florida in the Senate since 2011, was nominated for the Secretary of State position in a potential Trump administration. DeSantis must now decide who will fill the seat.
While some close to DeSantis say the governor is not interested in taking the seat himself, there is speculation that he may appoint a temporary or "placeholder" candidate.
One of the key players in this drama is Florida state lawmaker Randy Fine, a Trump ally, who weighed in on the decision facing DeSantis. Fine suggested that DeSantis could either follow Trump’s request and appoint Lara Trump or choose a different direction.
He believes there is a significant political opportunity for DeSantis if he supports Trump’s preferred candidate, as aligning with the former president could help solidify his standing within the GOP.
A number of prominent Trump allies have backed Lara Trump for the Senate seat, including U.S. Representative Anna Paulina Luna and Senator Rick Scott of Florida. Both have publicly endorsed Lara Trump as a strong choice to represent the state.
Additionally, Alabama Senator Katie Boyd Britt has called Lara Trump “a tremendous pick.” These endorsements are seen as part of a broader push to get Lara Trump into public office.
However, DeSantis’s position is complicated. As Florida’s governor, DeSantis is considering his own political future.
While he has consistently been rumored as a potential candidate for the 2028 presidential race, some political insiders believe his chances at a successful run may depend on his actions in the coming months. Speculation has even arisen that DeSantis might be eyeing a role in Trump’s cabinet, perhaps as defense secretary, a position that would elevate his national profile.
There is a growing sense of uncertainty regarding DeSantis’s future. According to political observers, some DeSantis supporters are concerned that he may be losing ground to other GOP figures, including Ohio Senator JD Vance.
These concerns stem from Vance's rising popularity within the party, leading some to believe that DeSantis may struggle to reclaim Trump’s mantle in future presidential races.
Further complicating matters is DeSantis’s interests outside of politics. He has expressed a desire for a post-public office career in media, possibly through a TV or radio show. DeSantis donors, including major figures like Robert Salvador, argue that a role in Trump’s cabinet could enhance DeSantis’s long-term prospects, both in terms of his political career and his public profile.
Meanwhile, Lara Trump has taken steps to position herself for a Senate appointment by stepping down as co-chair of the Republican National Committee. This move has fueled speculation that she is preparing to launch a political career.
Lara Trump is married to Eric Trump, and her entry into politics would be her first major foray into public office, despite her prominent role in Trump’s campaign activities.
With Rubio potentially stepping down from the Senate, the stakes are high for both Trump and DeSantis. Trump’s allies are pushing for Lara Trump’s appointment, while DeSantis remains under pressure to make a choice that could shape his political future.
If DeSantis aligns with Trump’s wishes, he may gain favor with the former president’s base, but doing so may also alienate other GOP factions who are not eager to see the Trump family dominate the party.
DeSantis’s decision may also have implications for the upcoming 2024 election. Some Republicans who supported DeSantis’s presidential bid this year worry that his political future is uncertain, especially if Trump’s influence continues to overshadow him.
At the same time, DeSantis’s role in Florida, especially his handling of the state’s Senate seat, could be a pivotal moment in his political career. As of now, DeSantis is expected to make his decision on who will fill Rubio’s seat by early January. The outcome could have significant implications not just for Florida, but for the national GOP and the potential 2028 presidential race.
Though many in Trump’s circle are pushing for Lara Trump’s appointment, DeSantis has not publicly committed to any particular course of action. His spokesperson declined to comment on the situation, as did Trump’s transition team. However, the pressure continues to mount as both sides of the political spectrum watch closely.
As the deadline for the appointment looms, political observers will be watching to see how DeSantis navigates the tension between honoring Trump’s request and making a decision that will reflect his own political aspirations.
Whether Lara Trump will ultimately take her place in the Senate remains to be seen, but the battle for the seat is emblematic of the complex dynamics within the Republican Party as it moves forward.
