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
Civil Rights Group Honors Nobel Peace Prize Winner Navi Pillay, Highlights Florida’s Trayvon Martin Connection
The Orlando-based civil rights association recalls supporting the former U.N. human rights chief’s 2012 call for an investigation into the teenager’s killing in Sanford.
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — The Florida Civil Rights Association is congratulating 2026 Nobel Peace Prize winner Navanethem “Navi” Pillay, recalling her call for an investigation into Trayvon Martin’s killing and the international attention it brought to questions of racial equality and justice in Florida.
The Norwegian Nobel Committee announced Pillay’s selection Oct. 9 for her efforts to promote peace and international law. The South African jurist served as United Nations high commissioner for human rights from 2008 to 2014 and helped shape landmark international court decisions.
In a press release, FCRA President J. Willie David III said Pillay’s intervention connected a Florida family’s demand for answers to a broader concern for human rights.
“Pillay’s call for an investigation reinforced that a family’s demand for justice in Sanford mattered beyond Florida and the United States,” David said.
“We welcomed her intervention in 2012 because families deserve answers and the law must protect everyone equally.”
UN Human Rights Commissioner Navi Pillay (Photo credit: UN Photo/Jean-Marc Ferre)
FCRA recalls its response in 2012
Martin, an unarmed Black 17-year-old, was fatally shot by neighborhood watch volunteer George Zimmerman on Feb. 26, 2012, in Sanford, northeast of Orlando.
In April 2012, Pillay called for an immediate investigation into the killing as the case drew international attention and scrutiny of Florida’s Stand Your Ground law.
FCRA welcomed that call. The association’s current release cites an April 7, 2012, West Orlando News report that quoted David discussing the case’s global impact.
“The shooting death of Trayvon Martin and Florida’s Stand Your Ground Law have created a worldwide movement that calls into question how justice is delivered to victims of color,” David said at the time, according to the release.
FCRA describes the activism surrounding Martin’s death as a defining moment that galvanized a new generation of civil rights advocates.
Zimmerman was charged with second-degree murder and acquitted in July 2013. In February 2015, the U.S. Justice Department closed its separate investigation, finding insufficient evidence to pursue federal criminal civil rights charges.
The Florida Civil Rights Association (FCRA) held a press conference outside the State of Florida’s regional offices in Orlando in 2012, calling on then-Gov. Rick Scott to take action following Trayvon Martin’s killing. Photo by FCRA.
Why Florida’s case drew global scrutiny
The Florida connection shows how the handling of a local killing can draw international scrutiny over racial discrimination, access to justice and the protection of human rights.
Pillay’s intervention brought those concerns into the international discussion surrounding Martin’s death. In September 2013, U.N. human rights experts also urged the United States to complete its civil rights investigation and examine concerns about racial profiling.
The significance lies in human rights oversight: how public institutions investigate deaths and provide equal treatment can attract attention beyond national borders. Pillay’s call was an appeal for investigation, rather than an international court judgment about Zimmerman’s guilt or Florida’s compliance with international law.
For FCRA, that connection remains relevant to how Florida leaders evaluate laws and practices affecting the communities they serve.
Pillay’s record in international justice
Pillay challenged discrimination under apartheid before serving on South Africa’s High Court, the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda and the International Criminal Court.
At the Rwanda tribunal, she was part of the judicial panel that established that rape and sexual violence can constitute acts of genocide, a landmark development in international criminal law.
David said honoring that career should also encourage accountability at home.
“Her Nobel Peace Prize recognizes a career built on confronting injustice through the rule of law,” he said. “Honoring that work means demanding transparent investigations and equal protection here at home. Rights belong to everyone.”
A renewed call for fairness in Florida
FCRA urged Florida leaders to safeguard impartial investigations, examine whether Stand Your Ground and other laws are applied fairly, and address policies or practices that produce discriminatory outcomes.
Founded in 2005, the association advocates for civil rights, human rights and civil liberties through education, advocacy and accountability. Its statement links Pillay’s international recognition to a continuing demand for fairness and human dignity in Florida.
Florida
Florida Governor Candidates: Donalds Spent Longer as a Democrat; Jolly Reports Longer Republican History
Central Florida News
Commissioner Uribe Announces New Date for Hispanic Heritage Festival Due to Weather
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Commissioner Uribe announced that the Hispanic Heritage Festival has been rescheduled due to weather conditions. The event will now take place Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026, from 9 a.m. to noon at Cypress Grove Park, 290 Holden Ave., Orlando.
The festival will celebrate the rich history, cultures, traditions and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities through live music, dance performances, food and community resources.
Scheduled highlights include:
- Live music by youth orchestra The Nucleus Orchestral.
- Dance performances featuring Maria Saavedra of FusionFest with Huellas de Colombia, Unidos for Ecuador and Mexico Dansa.
- Food from Zaza.
- Community resources from 311 and other participants.
Join Commissioner Uribe and the community for a morning celebrating Hispanic and Latino heritage.
NEW DATE: Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026
TIME: 9 a.m. to noon
LOCATION: Cypress Grove Park
ADDRESS: 290 Holden Ave., Orlando, FL 32839
