In a bold political move, President-elect Donald Trump has proposed Lara Trump to take over Senator Marco Rubio’s Senate seat following his new role as Secretary of State.
The Washington Examiner reported that Trump's recent discussions with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis have centered on a significant proposal: appointing Lara Trump to complete Senator Marco Rubio's remaining term.
This proposal comes after Rubio was selected by Trump to serve as Secretary of State, leaving his Senate seat vacant until the next election cycle in 2026.
Prior to this development, Lara Trump, the daughter-in-law of Donald Trump, recently resigned from her role as co-chairwoman of the Republican National Committee. Her resignation fueled speculation that she might be gearing up for a more direct role in politics, specifically targeting a Senate position.
Lara Trump has not been discreet about her political ambitions. After relocating to Florida from North Carolina three years ago, where she considered running for an office, Lara has remained in the political spotlight.
Her interest in the Senate seat became more pronounced following her move and her resignation from a key RNC role.
The potential appointment of Lara Trump by Governor DeSantis is complicated by several factors.
The governor himself has been a pivotal figure in Florida's political scene and was also embroiled in a rivalry with Trump following his own presidential aspirations and subsequent commentary on Trump's legal challenges.
However, the two seemed to have mended their relationship by spring, with discussions of potential Cabinet positions, indicating a strategic reconciliation.
Concerns have been raised regarding how Lara Trump’s appointment could be perceived. Critics argue that her recent move to Florida and lack of extensive elected experience might not sit well with other established Florida Republicans who are eyeing the Senate seat.
The optics of appointing the President-elect's daughter-in-law could be viewed as nepotistic, potentially alienating some voter segments.
Elon Musk, a notable figure in the business and tech industry, has expressed his support for Lara Trump's appointment. This endorsement might influence public and political perception, adding a high-profile backer to her list. However, Vice President-elect J.D. Vance has remained silent on the matter, not tipping the scales either way.
Amidst these discussions, President-elect Trump has also floated the possibility of nominating Governor DeSantis for Secretary of Defense, contingent on whether his initial choice, Pete Hegseth, faces obstacles in confirmation due to various allegations.
This adds another layer of complexity to their political interactions and could impact DeSantis's decisions regarding the Senate seat.
As January approaches, Governor DeSantis has announced that he plans to make his decision regarding the Senate seat.
This decision is highly anticipated, as it will not only affect the balance of power in the Senate but also set a precedent for how political alliances and strategies unfold in the Trump administration.
The outcome of this appointment could significantly influence the Republican Party’s strategy and dynamics in Florida, a key battleground state. Lara Trump’s potential ascent to the Senate could bring fresh energy and high-profile attention to the GOP but also risks sparking internal conflicts within the party.