The political spotlight has turned to Lara Trump as a potential successor to Senator Marco Rubio, whose nomination as Secretary of State has created a vacancy in Florida’s Senate representation. With her father-in-law, President-elect Donald Trump, putting in a strong recommendation to Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, Lara Trump has become a serious contender for the role. But who is Lara Trump, and what makes her a viable candidate for such a pivotal position?
Lara Trump, 42, has quickly emerged as a significant figure in Republican politics. As the co-chair of the Republican National Committee (RNC) during Donald Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign, she played a key role in ensuring her father-in-law’s return to the White House. Stepping down from this role earlier this month, Lara signaled her readiness to take on new challenges, stating, “I would say that my track record speaks for itself. Maybe having the last name Trump is just a little bit extra. I’m always happy to have it.”
Married to Eric Trump, Lara has been a vocal advocate for the “America First” agenda. This isn’t her first brush with Senate ambitions; in 2020, she considered running in her home state of North Carolina before deciding against it. “It is something I would seriously consider,” she said in a recent interview when asked about the Florida seat. “If I’m being completely transparent, I don’t know exactly what that would look like. But yeah, I would 100% consider it.”
Though Lara Trump has not held elected office, her political experience is notable. During her time with the RNC, she focused on campaign strategy and fundraising, earning praise for helping streamline the organization and mobilize voters. Senator Rick Scott highlighted her achievements, saying she had been instrumental in transforming the RNC into “a lean, focused, and powerful machine.” However, critics argue that her political credentials are thin, rooted more in her proximity to Donald Trump than in hands-on legislative or policy work.
Backers and Advocates
Lara’s candidacy has drawn support from influential figures in and outside of politics. Elon Musk and his mother, Maye Musk, have championed her potential, with Maye tweeting, “The Senate is an old man’s club. We desperately need a smart, young, outspoken woman who will reveal their secrets.” Florida’s senior senator, Rick Scott, has also endorsed Lara Trump as a strong candidate, citing her performance with the RNC.
At the heart of her candidacy is Donald Trump’s strong push for her appointment. The president-elect personally spoke to Governor DeSantis, urging him to consider Lara for the role. A Trump insider noted, “The idea has gone from a fanciful ‘wouldn’t that be interesting’ sentiment to a distinct possibility.” Such advocacy underscores Donald Trump’s confidence in Lara’s ability to carry forward the “America First” vision.
Detractors and Concerns
Despite her growing support, Lara Trump’s potential appointment has its detractors. Critics point to her lack of legislative experience and compare her candidacy to previous instances of Donald Trump promoting family members to prominent roles. The debate over nepotism has resurfaced, with opponents questioning whether Lara’s qualifications extend beyond her family ties.
Concerns have also arisen regarding optics. Some DeSantis allies worry that appointing Lara Trump, coupled with the governor’s rumored consideration for Secretary of Defense, could appear as political dealmaking. These allies emphasize DeSantis’s independent streak and note that he is also considering other candidates, such as Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody.
It’s DeSantis’s Decision
Governor DeSantis faces a critical decision. Naming Lara Trump could mend fences with Donald Trump following their heated primary battle, potentially strengthening DeSantis’s position within the Republican Party. However, DeSantis’s history of independent decision-making leaves room for uncertainty. “It isn’t a given that DeSantis will pick Lara Trump,” said one political observer, adding that the governor is weighing multiple candidates.
If chosen, Lara Trump would serve as an interim senator until a special election in 2026, providing her an opportunity to build a legislative record. “I would love to serve the people of Florida,” Lara has said, emphasizing her willingness to take on the role if appointed.
Governor DeSantis is expected to announce his decision by early January, a move that will undoubtedly shape Florida’s political future. Whether Lara Trump ascends to the Senate or not, the discussions surrounding her candidacy highlight the enduring influence of the Trump family in American politics. For supporters and detractors alike, Lara’s potential appointment represents a pivotal moment in the evolving narrative of post-2024 Republican leadership.
