Key Context
President-elect Donald Trump is pushing Florida Governor Ron DeSantis to appoint Lara Trump to fill the U.S. Senate seat that Senator Marco Rubio potentially vacated. Rubio is Trump’s nominee for Secretary of State, pending Senate confirmation.
The Big Picture
Rubio's Expected Move: Marco Rubio is poised to leave the Senate if confirmed as Secretary of State in President-elect Trump’s administration. This would require DeSantis to appoint a temporary replacement until a special election in 2026.
Lara Trump’s Role: Lara Trump, married to Eric Trump, served as co-chair of the Republican National Committee (RNC) during the 2024 presidential campaign. She announced her resignation from this position, fueling speculation about her next political step.
Trump’s Pressure on DeSantis
Sources close to Trump indicate he is actively encouraging DeSantis to appoint Lara Trump as Rubio's successor. DeSantis, who said he would announce his decision by early January, has not publicly commented on the matter.
Backing for Lara Trump
Prominent Republican lawmakers, including Senators Rick Scott, Lindsey Graham, and Katie Britt, have expressed support for Lara Trump.
Florida Representative Anna Paulina Luna has also spoken favorably of her potential appointment.
Lara Trump’s Position
In public comments, Lara Trump has expressed openness to the possibility of serving as a U.S. Senator for Florida:
She told The Associated Press she would "100% consider" the role if offered.
On Fox News, she stated she "would love to serve the people of Florida" if given the opportunity.
Political Implications
Republican Party Dynamics: An appointment of Lara Trump could solidify Trump’s influence within the GOP and Florida politics.
Timing: If appointed, the selected senator would serve until 2026, when the seat comes up for election again.
What’s Next?
Rubio’s confirmation as Secretary of State remains pending.
Governor DeSantis is expected to announce Rubio’s successor in the coming weeks.
Both Trump and DeSantis are set to attend the Army-Navy football game this weekend, which could provide an opportunity for further discussions.
Stay tuned for updates as this story unfolds.
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