Politics
[Opinion] Post-Election Support for Trump is Unprecedented
UNITED STATES (FNN NEWS) – From Indiana to Florida, coast to coast, and everywhere in between, Americans still love President Trump.
Picture it: 15,000 screaming fans, some having waited in line for hours all wanting to see their star performer. But we’re not talking about a rock concert or final four college basketball game. No, we’re talking about an audience of “Trumpers,” a slang name for those who rally and support our President, waiting to see him take the stage. Music energizes the crowds, including everything from Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the USA” to Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Phantom of the Opera.” I’m not talking about pre-election rallies. We’re talking about the campaign continuing and people steadfast in their support of President Trump today, some six months after the election. As you know, President Trump filed to run for reelection on inauguration day, January 21, 2017, immediately igniting his base once again. But what exactly is the draw? I talked with a few loyal “Trumpers” to get the answer. To them, 2020 isn’t that far away.
What is it about President Trump that “Trumpers” find so endearing? “The reason Trump supporters continue to like President Trump is he follows through and does what he said he would do on the campaign trail,” says Tony Ledbetter (below), Chairman of the Republican Party of Volusia County and Vice Chairman of the Republican Party of Florida Chairman’s Caucus. “President Trump is his own best strategist. President Trump is playing chess. He’s three moves ahead of everyone while others are playing checkers. He has done more for the American people in 100 days than any President in United States history,” continued Ledbetter who, by the way, was my boss on the Trump campaign serving as Regional Director in Central Florida. Recently, he was invited to the White House in appreciation for his efforts in the 2016 campaign. Ledbetter also hosts his own radio show, “Trump Talk Live,” on Florida 1150AM/93FM every Thursday at 7pm, recapping Trump happenings and clarification of media #FakeNews.
Photo courtesy of Tony Ledbetter (pictured, with President Trump).
Many find their affinity and loyalty to our President in his promises to the American people. “For me, it started from the first debate. His delivery on most topics resonated with me. Like he was truly talking to me,” said Lori Medlen, a court administrator for Avon Town Court in Indiana. Indiana easily went to President Trump in 2016. Medlen continued, “He makes me feel like it is possible for America to win again. He has passion and spirit that gets folks excited and involved. I am patient, loyal and will continue to support his efforts. I believe he desperately wants better for all Americans. My retirement account is showing good gains too.” Her sentiments resonated with many I sought feedback from.
Photo courtesy of Lori Medlen, Avon, Indiana (pictured)
Florida resident Leland McKee, special advisor to the Orange County Trump Republican Club, had this to say: “Voters are loyal to Trump because he remains very much an outsider free from Washington control. This is why they voted for Trump and will do so in greater numbers in 2020 for reelection.” Florida remains a key battleground state for anyone seeking the office of President, with all 99 delegates up for grabs for the top vote gainer. McKee added, “Reliable media outlets suggest 98 percent of likely voters who voted for Trump would vote for him again. Trump supporters are loyal because Trump has pretty much delivered on many campaign promises within his direct control.” Certainly the media is not a friend to our President, and McKee addresses that as well. “The mainstream media narratives of not funding the wall and repeal of Obamacare promises will take more time due to bureaucratic gridlock beyond Trump’s control.” (Obamacare repeal UPDATE below)
We must be patient with our President. He’s acknowledged the job, or the ability to get the work done, will take time. And after decades of underperforming presidents in various areas, reinventing this office will not happen overnight.
Photo courtesy of Leland McKee, special adviser to the Orange County Trump Republican Club.
Tennessee resident and Trump volunteer Elaine Ervin said, “I am loyal to President Trump because of the man he is. His actions have been bold, protective and loving for the American people. The President has never faltered on keeping the promises he made to us throughout the campaign.” Ervin’s support of our President is a consistent theme among “Trumpers.” Something about him and his sacrifice has touched people in a very unique and powerful way. “I would stand up and fight for this man with my dying breath – and there is no doubt he would do the same for America!” Ervin expressed. “President Trump loves America like no president in my lifetime. God bless him.”
Ervin traveled to Florida during the final weeks leading to the general election, assisting the Orange County 4 Trump team in its efforts to drive as many votes as possible for President Trump, who ultimately won the state of Florida.
Photo courtesy of Elaine Ervin (pictured), Tennessee volunteer.
More than once President Trump has reminded us he plans to keep his promise to America. “Promises Made Promises Kept” signs were visible throughout his campaign rally recently in Pennsylvania. For some, the promises like the border wall are simply not coming fast enough. We simply need to be reminded this “non” politician has been in office a few short months. I believe we’ll see substantial changes over the summer addressing these critical issues leading into a possible showdown in September. And excitingly, while writing this article, breaking news came on one of the campaign promises many suggested was reason enough to vote for Trump: the House repeal of Obamacare in a vote 217 to 212. There will be a battle in the Senate, but this is certainly a major victory for Americans and for President Trump and his administration. So it took a little more than 100 days…but only 5 days more. But who’s counting right?
Trump supporter Susan Haag noted, “President Trump is doing exactly what he said he was going to do. Secondly, as a working woman and small business owner, it’s nice to have some of the regulations removed so that small business owners can be successful. It makes people independent of government assistance.” President Trump recently signed an executive order that eliminated much of the red tape that makes running a business in America more challenging than necessary. Haag added, “President Trump wants America to be prosperous and safe for all of us.”
Haag is a enthusiastic volunteer for the Republican Party more recently helping organize and participate in voter registration efforts in West Orange County (FL). She has launched a monthly group, in cooperation with the West Orange Women’s Republican Federated, allowing people the flexibility of meeting in the evenings versus daytime hours. Haag concluded, “President Trump listens to the people.”
Photo courtesy of Susan Haag (pictured).
28,000 Doors? That’s the number of doors Maryann Pistilli, President of the Southeast Volusia County Republican Club and former Volusia County Regional Director of the Republican Leadership Initiative Program for the RPOF, knocked on last year to help get President Trump elected. Now that’s dedication and loyalty. Said Pistilli, “I will remain loyal to the President because he is a President of The People and for the People. He walked into the White House not owing any special interest or lobbyist a favor. He is all about America First.” In addition to getting to meet President Trump because of her remarkable grassroots efforts and ground game successes, Pistilli continues to promote President Trump with events such as one taking place this Saturday, in New Smyrna Beach. “On Inauguration Day, he gave the power back to the people. Together, with President Trump, we will continue to Make America Great Again,” explained Pistilli.
Photo courtesy of Maryann Pistilli (pictured)
WHY I’M WITH PRESIDENT TRUMP
A few have suggested I am attached to Trump’s celebrity as my motivation to work for and support him. That rumor might have been easier to believe in the beginning of the campaign when so many left leaning liberals consistently came at my support of President Trump with demeaning commentary and prediction of doom. They needed something to hate on … right? Actually, while I have always admired our President and did audition for and enjoy his reality show “The Apprentice” a number of years ago, it was his platform I formed an allegiance to, not his star status. But hey, it was pretty cool be part of introducing him at a rally and to be photographed with the President multiple times…not going to lie.
When President Trump speaks about Veterans and the need to take care of them, I trust he will. When he talks about border security and our need for the wall, I support him. When he addresses the deficit and unfair trade, I agree with him. Literally nearly every single part of his platform I believe is important to making America great again, and for that I will continue to be loyal to our 45th President of the United States. Of course, it’s no secret that my hope will be to continue working with the LGBTQ community who blindly follow the very left leaning narrative that President Trump is somehow against them. That’s simply not true and not supported by any of his actions. Like everyone else mentioned here and so many of our “Trumpers” throughout the country, I’m all in for President Trump and looking forward to his reelection in 2020.
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Randy Ross is a contributing political writer for Florida National News. He is President of the Orange County Trump Republican Club and Florida Chairman for America First Federated. info@floridanationalnews.com
Florida
U.S. Embassy Reopens in Caracas, Offering New Opportunities for Venezuelans in Central Florida
WASHINGTON (FNN NEWS) — The United States has formally resumed operations at the U.S. Embassy in Caracas, Venezuela, marking the first permanent diplomatic presence in the country since 2019 and signaling a new phase in U.S.-Venezuela relations.
The reopening could have significant implications for Florida’s growing Venezuelan community, particularly in Central Florida, where thousands of Venezuelan families now call the Orlando region home.
The U.S. Department of State announced that diplomatic operations officially resumed March 30, following years in which U.S. engagement with Venezuela was conducted through the Venezuela Affairs Unit at the U.S. Embassy in Bogotá, Colombia.
In January, Ambassador Laura F. Dogu arrived in Caracas as Chargé d’Affaires to lead U.S. government operations on the ground and oversee preparations for the eventual return of full embassy personnel and consular services.
Potential Impact on Venezuelan Families
For years, many Venezuelans seeking U.S. visa interviews or consular assistance were required to travel to Bogotá, often incurring significant travel expenses and logistical challenges.
While routine visa and passport services have not yet resumed in Caracas, U.S. officials said embassy personnel are working toward restoring full consular operations.
Once fully operational, the embassy could provide Venezuelan families with easier access to visa processing, family reunification services, emergency assistance and other consular support.
Economic and Business Opportunities
The reopening could also strengthen economic and commercial ties between Venezuela and Central Florida.
Florida has become a major destination for Venezuelan entrepreneurs, investors and professionals. Business leaders say a restored diplomatic presence may encourage additional trade, investment and business expansion opportunities between the two regions.
Industries including real estate, healthcare, construction, logistics and professional services could benefit from increased cross-border activity.
Strengthening Community Ties
Community leaders believe renewed diplomatic relations could further strengthen cultural, educational and civic connections between Venezuela and Central Florida.
Orlando-area organizations, universities and business groups may find new opportunities for collaboration, exchanges and partnerships as relations continue to normalize.
Former Florida Lawmaker Welcomes Diplomatic Reengagement
Former Florida State Representative Daisy Morales, who is also a candidate for Florida House District 43, applauded the reopening of the U.S. Embassy in Caracas and highlighted its potential impact on Central Florida’s large Venezuelan and Hispanic communities.
Morales, a retired federal official who served with both the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Department of State, said the reopening represents an important first step toward strengthening diplomatic and economic ties between the United States and Venezuela.
“I applaud the United States for taking this important first step in reopening the U.S. Embassy in Caracas and strengthening diplomatic relations with Venezuela,” Morales said. “This decision could have a positive impact on Central Florida, particularly for Venezuelan families, businesses and community organizations. As diplomatic relations continue to improve, it could also create opportunities to establish a Venezuelan consulate or honorary consulate in Orlando to better serve the growing Venezuelan population in our region.”
Morales noted that during her tenure in the Florida House, the district she represented was approximately 70 percent Hispanic, providing her with extensive experience working with diverse immigrant communities, foreign nationals and diplomatic representatives of Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, Haiti, Grenada and France.
“Throughout my public service, I have worked closely with foreign nationals and diplomats on issues affecting our communities,” Morales said. “As conditions continue to improve and return to normalcy, I would not rule out visiting Venezuela in the future to strengthen relationships and explore opportunities that benefit both our communities and Central Florida.”
Morales also said that while renewed diplomatic engagement presents opportunities, policymakers should remain mindful of past experiences involving U.S. diplomatic relations with other nations.
“When President Barack Obama announced the reopening of the U.S. Embassy in Cuba in 2015, many viewed it as the beginning of a new chapter in U.S.-Cuba relations,” Morales said. “However, diplomatic relationships can evolve over time and are often affected by changing political and security conditions. As the United States begins this new chapter with Venezuela, policymakers should proceed carefully and remain focused on protecting U.S. interests, promoting democratic values and ensuring the safety and well-being of Americans.”
Challenges Remain
Despite the reopening, challenges remain.
The U.S. Embassy in Caracas has not yet resumed routine consular services, and the State Department continues to maintain travel advisories for Venezuela because of ongoing security concerns.
In addition, immigration programs affecting Venezuelans residing in the United States, including asylum and Temporary Protected Status policies, remain separate from the embassy reopening and continue to be governed by federal immigration policy.
For many Venezuelans in Central Florida, however, the return of a U.S. diplomatic presence in Caracas represents an important milestone and a step toward reconnecting families, expanding economic opportunities and strengthening ties between both regions.
Politics
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