Thanks to Trump, Florida is running the country. We should reap the benefits | Opinion

When I first got started in Florida politics, it was a battleground state and served as a bellwether for the nation. These days, Florida has become a Republican stronghold — and a political kingmaker, when it sent its first president to the White House in 2024.

President Donald Trump hasn’t disappointed in his appointments. Since taking office, Trump has appointed Floridians to top posts such as Marco Rubio as secretary of state — and now acting national security advisor — Pam Bondi as U.S. attorney general and Susie Wiles as his chief of staff, putting Florida squarely in the center of national and global policy.

Earlier this week, I was talking with George LeMieux, former U.S. senator from Florida, about how Florida is practically running the country. He told me, “We’ve never had a better opportunity to influence federal policy — in fact, world policy.” And he’s right. Florida has an unprecedented opportunity to leverage its position — and we shouldn’t waste it.

I’m hoping that translates into Florida industries such as aerospace, military and infrastructure seeing federal investment.

Moving NASA’s headquarters to Florida makes sense. As I’ve previously written, Florida is home to NASA shuttle launches and moving the headquarters would promote economic opportunity as well as bring more jobs to the state.

In Miami-Dade County, this could offer a chance to get more momentum for funding commuter rail projects through the Department of Transportation, such as a high speed train from Aventura to Broward and farther north to Palm Beach. In addition, the Tri-Rail would benefit from additional funding once the stimulus money runs out because the commuter rail system will experience a $90 million deficit.

Federal funding could help relieve traffic congestion and reduce accidents on I-95. As LeMieux notes, “funding these projects would tremendously benefit Southeast Florida to provide more connectivity in an area that’s extremely dense.”

Outside of space and trains, more federal attention on Florida could offer benefits in the form of additional defense contracts. Florida is home to the U.S. Southern Command, U.S. Central Command and U.S. Special Command (SOUTHCOM, CENTCOM and SOCOM) and more than 20 major military installations. It makes sense to ensure that the state is at the forefront of strategic military investments by the administration.

It’s probably a long shot, since Florida’s leaders haven’t exactly embraced the idea of climate change, but the state also could use help from the federal government on resiliency. In 2023, Broward County experienced 20 inches of rainfall in less than 24 hours, causing the Fort Lauderdale airport to close for two days. Florida needs federal partnerships to upgrade storm water systems, elevate roadways and streamline post-storm permitting.

These opportunities are more than short-term gains. They are a chance for Florida to establish itself as something more than a tourist destination — an innovation hub and a policy powerhouse. Trump appointing Floridians to top jobs makes it clear that his attention is on the Sunshine State.

Trump has to be president for everyone, not just Floridians, of course. But a president playing favorites with his home state isn’t unheard of — it’s part of politics. When Ronald Reagan was president, his home state of California benefited — specifically from his Strategic Defense Initiative, aka “Star Wars,” which gave the Golden State more money for its aerospace and defense industries.

Today, Florida is no longer a battleground state; it’s a launchpad for leadership. And having Floridians in the White House is just the boost we need.

Mary Anna Mancuso is a member of the Miami Herald Editorial Board. Her email: mmancuso@miamiherald.com

This story was originally published May 2, 2025 at 6:00 AM.