President Donald Trump has announced that he is endorsing Florida State Senator Joe Gruters as the next Chair of the Republican National Committee (RNC).
Gruters, who is a close ally of Trump but has long had a fractured relationship with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, is running to succeed former chair Michael Whatley, who just launched his campaign for the North Carolina U.S. Senate seat.
In a Truth Social post, the president threw his support behind “MAGA Warrior Joe Gruters.”
“As State Senator and Chairman of the Republican Party of Florida, Joe helped us deliver massive and historic Victories across the State, including my three BIG WINS in 2016, 2020, and 2024!” Trump said repeating the false claim that he won the election in 2020. “As RNC Treasurer, Joe has been a Fierce Advocate for our Movement, and fought tirelessly to ensure a highly functioning, fiscally responsible, and financially successful RNC. He will be a wonderful Chairman!”
Newsweek reached out to representatives for DeSantis and Gruters for comment.
AP Photo/Steve Cannon
Why It Matters
DeSantis criticized an immigration enforcement bill supported by Gruters earlier this year, calling it “weak, weak, weak” on X.
At an event on July 24, DeSantis referenced the legislation while speaking about recent immigration enforcement in the state.
“Had I not vetoed that legislation that was done—Perez and Gruters—if I had not vetoed that legislation the operations that we’re doing, that we’re highlighting—those would’ve been rendered illegal to do,” DeSantis said.
DeSantis also said that “people need to know this stuff because these guys will tell you that they’re for you and on your side then they get up there and they basically betray you because they think you’re not paying attention.”
What To Know
Gruters has served in the Florida Senate since 2018. He has also served as treasurer of the RNC since January of this year.
Gruters served in the Florida House of Representatives from 2016 to 2018. He was chair of the Florida Republican Party from 2019 to 2023.
Gruters had filed to run for Florida Chief Financial Officer in 2026. DeSantis appointed State Senator Blaise Ingoglia to the position last month. The two candidates were expected to face off in the upcoming primary.
Pollster Tony Fabrizio, who had previously worked on Trump’s campaign, had signed up to work for Gruters’ CFO campaign, the Sarasota Herald-Tribune reported.
“Appointing a Never-Trumper for CFO over Trump’s endorsed candidate will be viewed as a direct rebuke to the MAGA agenda and will end up just like DeSantis’ other anti-MAGA efforts,” Fabrizio said in a statement obtained by the outlet.
What People Are Saying
President Donald Trump, on Truth Social: “Joe Gruters and Jennifer Saul-Rich are 100% America First, and I know they will do an incredible job, and secure Great Success for Republicans all across our Country. Joe and Jennifer have my Complete and Total Endorsement — THEY WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!”
What Happens Next
Gruters would need to be elected by RNC members to lead the organization.
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Update 8/1/25, 1:46 p.m. ET: This article was updated with additional information.
