South Florida

Florida has shaped President Trump’s administration. Take a look at these milestones

Stories by Miami Herald journalists, with AI summarization

Florida has positioned itself as a central force behind the Trump administration, with its politicians and donors reshaping federal policy and Republican politics on the national stage.

Driven by Trump’s own residency in the state, Florida has seen the elevation of key local figures to prominent roles, such as Marco Rubio’s selection as secretary of state and Matt Gaetz’s controversial tapping as attorney general, which ended in him pulling out of the appointment.

The consolidation of conservative power in Florida reflects the state’s transformation into a stronghold of Republican influence, with leaders like Ron DeSantis and a burgeoning Cuban-American political presence further cementing its role in shaping national and international policies.

Meanwhile, Florida’s impact on U.S.-Cuba relations and its heavy-handed push against progressive initiatives signal enduring shifts in the federal government’s priorities under Trump’s leadership.

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories below were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.

Florida U.S. Senator Marcos Rubio speaks during a former President Donald Trump’s rally at the Trump National Doral Miami, in Doral on Tuesday, July 09, 2024. By Pedro Portal

NO. 1: ‘IT’S FLORIDA’S TIME.’ SUNSHINE STATE RESIDENTS RISING TO POWER IN TRUMP’S D.C.

The president-elect is the first Floridian elected to the White House. He’s bringing some of his neighbors along with him. | Published November 12, 2024 | Read Full Story by Max Greenwood

Florida Senator Marco Rubio speaks during a rally at the Holocaust Memorial on Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2023, in Miami Beach, Fla. People gathered to the event, which was hosted by the Greater Miami Jewish Federation, to show solidarity with Israel after Hamas militants launched a deadly assault on the country from Gaza. By MATIAS J. OCNER

NO. 2: WITH RUBIO’S SELECTION AS NEXT SECRETARY OF STATE, CUBA LEADERS’ WORST FEARS COME TRUE

For the Cuban government, Trump’s victory and Rubio’s nomination come at the worst moment. | Published November 13, 2024 | Read Full Story by Nora Gámez Torres

Senator Marco Rubio addresses the media following the Goldman Sach’s 10,000 Small Businesses Ceremony Monday, Feb. 9, 2015 at the Freedom Tower. By Emily Michot

NO. 3: FROM TEA PARTY DARLING TO SECRETARY OF STATE? RUBIO’S CLIMB HAS ALWAYS BEEN TO THE TOP

From West Miami to Tallahassee to D.C., Rubio is validating those who said he was on his way to the top | Published November 12, 2024 | Read Full Story by Kirby Wilson

Feb. 13, 2024; Washington, D.C., USA - Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL), with other members of the House Freedom Caucus, at a press conference speaking on the reauthorization of FISA under consideration in the House on Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024. Mandatory Credit: Jack Gruber-USA TODAY

NO. 4: FLORIDA’S MATT GAETZ RESIGNS HOUSE SEAT AFTER TRUMP TAPS HIM FOR ATTORNEY GENERAL

Gaetz’s resignation effectively means he will escape a House Ethics Committee investigation into alleged sexual misconduct. | Published November 13, 2024 | Read Full Story by Michael Wilner Max Greenwood

Benjamín León, Jr., was nominated by President-elect Donald Trump to be the next ambassador to Spain.

NO. 5: TRUMP PICKS LEON MEDICAL CENTERS FOUNDER AS SPAIN’S NEXT AMBASSADOR. WHAT TO KNOW

Benjamín León is most well known for founding Leon Medical Centers in 1996 to provide primary, specialty, pharmacy and other care for Miami seniors. | Published January 3, 2025 | Read Full Story by Michelle Marchante

Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody speaks as Gov. Ron DeSantis listens during a press conference proposing anti-crime legislation at the Police Benevolent Association in Miami on Thursday, January 26, 2023. By Al Diaz

NO. 6: WITH MARCO RUBIO LEAVING THE U.S. SENATE, FLORIDA’S GOVERNOR ANNOUNCES HIS REPLACEMENT

DeSantis’ pick has big implications for the 2026 election | Published January 16, 2025 | Read Full Story by Lawrence Mower

This report was produced with the help of AI tools, which summarized previous stories reported and written by McClatchy journalists. It was edited by journalists in our News division.