You’ve heard of Florida Man—the meme that chronicles the bizarre exploits of Sunshine State residents in headlines like “Florida Man Fights Alligator with Frying Pan” or “Florida Man Tries to Rob Bank with Squirt Gun.” But now there’s a new kind of Florida power player in town, and it’s no joke: the so-called “Florida Lobby” dominating Donald Trump’s incoming administration.
With Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach serving as a political nerve center, the state has cemented itself as a critical hub for national influence. Key Floridians are taking top spots in Trump’s administration, wielding immense sway over the direction of U.S. policies. Here’s a closer look at the power players and how they’re shaping Washington under Team Trump.
1. Marco Rubio: Secretary of State
From Miami to the World Stage
Marco Rubio (Picture credit: AP)
Senator Marco Rubio, known for his hawkish stance on China and Latin American diplomacy, is taking the reins of the State Department. A longtime critic turned ally of Trump, Rubio brings years of foreign policy experience from the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
Rubio’s appointment signals a focus on tough, no-nonsense diplomacy. Expect heightened U.S. involvement in countering Chinese influence in Latin America and supporting pro-democracy movements in Cuba and Venezuela. His Florida roots also mean he’ll keep close ties to the state’s significant Cuban-American and Venezuelan exile communities, making his appointment as much about domestic politics as international strategy.
Read: What Marco Rubio thinks of India
2. Pam Bondi: Attorney General
Florida’s Attorney-in-Chief Goes Federal
Pam Bondi, a former Florida attorney general and one of Trump’s most vocal defenders during his impeachment trials, steps into the role of U.S. Attorney General. Known for her sharp legal mind and unwavering loyalty, Bondi’s tenure in Florida was marked by crackdowns on human trafficking and opioid abuse.
Her priorities as AG are likely to include aggressive moves against Big Tech and immigration enforcement. Bondi’s proximity to Trump’s Mar-a-Lago base and her public alignment with Trump’s “America First” agenda make her a key player in advancing the administration’s legal battles and policy goals.
Pam Bondi: Trump’s new AG pic
3. Michael Waltz: National Security Advisor
The Soldier-Scholar from St. Augustine
Representative Michael Waltz, a Green Beret veteran and outspoken advocate for a robust national defense, is Trump’s pick for National Security Advisor. Waltz’s military credentials and strong positions on countering terrorism, China, and Russia make him a natural fit for the role.
Waltz is expected to emphasize a military-first approach to national security, with a particular focus on strengthening alliances in the Indo-Pacific and enhancing cybersecurity. His Florida roots add a regional dimension to his appointment, particularly given the state’s strategic military bases and aerospace industry.
4. Susie Wiles: Chief of Staff
Ice Maiden
Susie Wiles
Susie Wiles, a veteran GOP strategist based in Jacksonville, has been one of Trump’s most trusted political advisors. As Chief of Staff, Wiles will play a crucial role in coordinating the administration’s policies and messaging. She’s credited with helping secure Trump’s 2016 Florida victory and has been instrumental in shaping his political strategy ever since.
Wiles is known for her ability to navigate complex political landscapes and manage diverse teams. Her appointment reflects Trump’s confidence in her ability to deliver results and maintain cohesion within a notoriously unpredictable political environment.
Read: The five things to know about Ice Maiden
Why Florida?
Florida’s outsized influence in Trump’s Washington isn’t accidental. The state is not just Trump’s home base—it’s a critical battleground for Republicans. Florida delivers 30 electoral votes, making it a linchpin in any GOP strategy. It’s also home to a thriving political and media ecosystem that aligns closely with Trump’s agenda.
Beyond politics, Florida is emblematic of Trump’s style: bold, brash, and unapologetically unconventional. His Mar-a-Lago estate has transformed into a political headquarters, where power brokers, donors, and policymakers gather to shape the administration’s future.
The “Florida Lobby” in Action
Critics of the Florida Lobby argue that it centralizes too much influence in one state, potentially skewing national policies to favor Florida-specific interests, such as tourism, agriculture, and Latin American relations. Supporters, however, see it as a logical extension of Trump’s close ties to the state and its significance in Republican politics.
As Washington adjusts to the new administration, one thing is clear: the “Florida Lobby” is here to stay. Whether it’s Rubio navigating tense diplomatic waters, Bondi taking on legal fights, or Wiles orchestrating the administration’s every move, these Floridians are shaping the next chapter of American governance—all from the sunny shores of the Sunshine State. And while the Florida Man meme may continue to deliver its absurd headlines, this new Florida power bloc promises to write headlines of a very different kind.
