Trump’s endorsement of Donalds for Florida governor is an attack on DeSantis’ future | Opinion

Until recently, the Florida governor’s race was expected to be a crowded Republican field, and then President Donald Trump posted his endorsement of U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds for governor on Truth Social.

Here’s the catch: Donalds hasn’t announced he’s running for governor. Endorsements are common in politics, but Trump’s early support of Donalds does more than help a fellow Republican. It’s another move to sabotage Gov. Ron DeSantis.

Since winning the presidency last November, Trump has worked to undermine DeSantis’ leadership in Florida. The president has filled his second administration with Florida politicos, making it hard for DeSantis to gain support for potential future plans and build a meaningful legacy. Trump’s latest interference is endorsing Donalds.

Donalds is the only Black Republican in Florida’s congressional delegation and has previously sparred with DeSantis over education standards that “requires middle schoolers learn that some African Americans benefited from slavery.” While DeSantis pushed back on Donalds’ criticism — which was justified — Trump advisor Jason Miller applauded Donalds as a “conservative hero.” Donalds endorsed Trump for president in 2024, and now Trump is returning the favor.

Of course, this isn’t the first time Trump has played kingmaker in a Florida governor’s race.

Trump endorsed DeSantis’ first run for governor in 2018 and hosted rallies around the state for him. At the time, DeSantis was a relatively unknown congressman, and Trump’s endorsement propelled him to victory narrowly beating Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum, a Democrat. However, when DeSantis launched his ill-fated presidential bid in 2024 — competing against Trump — their relationship soured.

Historically, Florida governors have used their position as a springboard to higher office. For example, Rick Scott now serves in the U.S. Senate. It’s natural for DeSantis to be planning his next move, but he’ll need to finish his term with notable accomplishments, which Trump seems determined to deny him.

But that isn’t stopping DeSantis, who is working hard to leave his mark on Florida politics. Recently DeSantis appointed his chief of staff, James Uthmeier, as state attorney general, and soon he will fill vacancies for lieutenant governor and chief financial officer — key positions that could extend his political influence for years to come.

DeSantis has also signaled support for his wife, Casey DeSantis, to run for governor, and criticized Donalds at a recent press conference saying the congressman “hasn’t been a part of any of the victories that we have had here over the left over these last years.”

A recent poll by the University of North Florida found Casey DeSantis with a 30% favorability rating, while a majority (66%) of respondents didn’t recognize Donalds’ name. The poll, which was conducted before Trump’s endorsement, shows Casey DeSantis could have the advantage. Interestingly, Trump’s endorsement of Donalds came shortly after this poll was released.

Trump’s timing of his endorsement suggests he hopes to discourage Casey DeSantis from running. If true, it underscores his determination to undercut the governor. I’d hope that, as president, Trump has better things to do than engage in an on-going battle with the governor, but it sure doesn’t seem that way.

While it is common for presidents to issue endorsements and campaign for candidates, usually that happens when the election is much closer. The election is a full 20 months away.

Trump’s allies may argue that his early endorsement of Donalds is a good thing, as Republicans seek to build a broader coalition, and that it will reduce the possibility of a contested primary.

But the timing and context show this is about something far less noble — a personal vendetta against DeSantis. As long as Trump continues to put his thumb on the scale of Florida politics by back-channeling with state lawmakers on legislation and issuing endorsements of unannounced candidates, DeSantis is going to struggle with his legacy.

Rather than weighing in on a distant election, Trump should focus on leading the country and addressing pressing national issues. Florida’s future should be shaped by its sitting governor, not by a president who has a score to settle.

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