You’ve heard of Florida Man—the meme that depicts the strange 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 type of Florida power player in town, and it’s no joke: the so-called “Florida lobby” is dominating the incoming administration of Donald Trump.
With Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach serving as a political nerve center, the state has cemented itself as a critical center for national influence. Key Floridians are taking top positions in Trump’s administration, wielding immense influence over the direction of US 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 (Image credit: AP)
Senator Marco Rubio, known for his hokey stance on China and Latin American diplomacy, is taking the reins at the State Department. A longtime critic turned Trump ally, Rubio brings years of foreign policy experience from the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
Rubio’s appointment signals a focus on tough, no-nonsense diplomacy. Anticipate US involvement in countering Chinese influence in Latin America and supporting pro-democracy movements in Cuba and Venezuela. His Florida roots also mean he will have 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 About India
2. Pam Bondi: Attorney General
Florida’s attorney-in-chief goes federal
Pam Bondi, the former Florida attorney general and one of Trump’s most vocal defenders during his impeachment trial, steps into the role of US attorney general. Known for her sharp legal mind and unwavering loyalty, Bondi’s tenure in Florida was marked by a crackdown on human trafficking and opioid abuse.
Her priorities as AG are likely to include aggressive action 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 edgy image
3. Michael Waltz: National Security Advisor
Soldier-Scholar of St. Augustine
Representative Michael Waltz, a Green Beret veteran and outspoken advocate for a strong national defense, is Trump’s choice for national security adviser. 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 engagement and enhancing cyber security in the Indo-Pacific. His Florida roots add a regional dimension to his appointment, especially 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, is one of Trump’s most trusted political advisers. As chief of staff, Wiles will play a critical role in coordinating administration policies and communications. She is 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 unity in a notoriously unpredictable political environment.
Read: Five things to know about the Ice Maiden
Why Florida?
Florida’s big influence in Trump’s Washington is no accident. The state isn’t 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 is also home to a thriving political and media ecosystem that is closely aligned with Trump’s agenda.
Beyond politics, Florida epitomizes Trump’s style: bold, brash, and unapologetically unconventional. His Mar-a-Lago estate has been 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 Florida lobby Arguing 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 importance 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 tight diplomatic waters, Bondi fighting a legal battle, 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 bloke promises to write a very different kind of headlines.