Florida

Trump prepares to launch 3rd campaign for the White House

Published

2 years ago

November 15, 2022

PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Former President Donald Trump is preparing to launch his third campaign for the White House on Tuesday, looking to move on from disappointing midterm defeats and defy history amid signs that his grip on the Republican Party is waning.

Trump had hoped to use the GOP’s expected gains in last week’s elections as a springboard to vault himself to his party’s nomination. Instead, he finds himself being blamed for backing a series of losing candidates after Republicans failed to take control of the Senate. While the party was on the cusp of retaking control of the House on Tuesday, it could end up with its narrowest majority in decades.

“Hopefully, tomorrow will turn out to be one of the most important days in the history of our Country!” Trump wrote on his social media network on Monday. An announcement was expected at 9 p.m. EST Tuesday from his club in Palm Beach.

Another campaign is a remarkable turn for any former president, much less one who made history as the first to be impeached twice and whose term ended with his supporters violently storming the U.S. Capitol in a deadly bid to halt the peaceful transition of power on Jan. 6, 2021. Just one president in U.S. history has been elected to two nonconsecutive terms: Grover Cleveland in 1884 and 1892.

Trump is also facing a series of intensifying criminal investigations, including a Justice Department probe into the hundreds of documents with classified markings that were discovered in boxes and drawers at his Mar-a-Lago club.

Aides and allies had urged Trump to wait until after the midterms were over — and then until after a Dec. 6 Senate runoff election in Georgia — to announce his plans. But Trump, eager to return to the spotlight, is also hoping to stave off a long list of potential challengers, including Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who cruised to reelection last week and is now being urged by many in his party to run for president a well.

Trump has tried to blame Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell for the GOP’s performance — and McConnell allies have criticized Rick Scott, the Florida senator who heads the Senate Republicans’ campaign committee.

However, Trump has received the brunt of criticism for elevating candidates in states like Pennsylvania and Arizona who were unappealing to general election voters because they embraced his lies about the 2020 election or held hard-line views on issues like abortion that were out of step with the mainstream.

While Trump has the backing of the No. 3 House Republican, Rep. Elise Stefanik, others were already moving on.

Asked whether she would endorse Trump in 2024, Republican Sen. Cynthia Lummis of Wyoming told reporters Monday: “I don’t think that’s the right question. I think the question is, who is the current leader of the Republican Party?”

Her answer to that question: “Ron DeSantis.”

Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, a longtime Trump critic, compared Trump to a pitcher who keeps losing after GOP disappointments in 2018, 2020 and now 2022.

“He’s been on the mound and lost three straight games. If we want to start winning, we need someone else on the mound. And we’ve got a very strong bench that can come out,” Romney said. “I know, there’s some fans that love him. Just like, you know, an aging pitcher, they’re always fans that want to keep them there forever. But if you keep losing games, try to put some new players on the field.”

Others expressed concern that Trump’s announcement would be a distraction from the Georgia race and urged potential candidates to focus there.

“What’s really important for anybody who wants to be a 2024 candidate is to help us right now in 2022 to finish the cycle by winning the state of Georgia,” said Sen. John Thune, R-S.D.

“We obviously had higher expectation in the Senate, which didn’t pan out. I think there are a lot of different things that contribute to that,” Thune added. “But I do think that, you know, folks who were unduly focused on the 2020 election, that’s not a winning strategy with independent voices.”

Even the former president’s right-flank allies in the House Freedom Caucus kept their distance ahead of Trump’s announcement.

“I am focused on what’s happening here,” said Rep. Scott Perry, R-Pa., the Freedom Caucus chairman, as lawmakers returned to Capitol Hill on Monday. “I’m just not paying attention to any of those things, so I don’t want to comment on that.”

Meanwhile, in Utah, 86 Republican lawmakers on Monday sent out a news release urging DeSantis to run, reflecting dissatisfaction with having Trump as their party’s standard-bearer. The state’s Mormon majority has long been skeptical of Trump’s isolationism and foul language.

And in Michigan, Paul Cordes, chief of staff of the Michigan Republican Party, penned a four-page internal memo that criticized Trump-backed candidates for “statewide sweeps” that will give Democrats full control of the state’s government for the first time in 40 years. That includes Tudor Dixon, who lost the governor’s race to Democratic incumbent Gretchen Whitmer by double digits.

Trump, Cordes wrote, was “popular amongst our grassroots and a motivating factor for his supporters, but provided challenges on a statewide ballot, especially with independents and women in the midterm election.”

Rep. Liz Cheney, another Trump critic who is considering her own run in 2024, highlighted losses by Trump-backed candidates while speaking Tuesday morning at The Washington Post’s Global Women’s Summit.

“This is certainly not the rollout I’m sure Donald Trump wanted for his announcement tonight. But it’s also not the first time he’s been totally detached from reality,” Cheney said. “There’s no question he’s unfit for office. And I feel confident he will never be president again.”

Meanwhile, Josh Holmes, a Republican consultant close to McConnell, said Trump remains “far and away the favorite” as he enters the race. But Holmes also said that a third presidential bid will be considerably different for Trump.

“There’s never once been a primary victory by a presidential nominee that is waged in a backward-looking fashion. Everything is about the future,” Holmes said.

As for DeSantis, Holmes said: “His national profile right now is undeniable. … We’re going to find out” whether he can maintain that strength.

Florida

Florida Senators Advance Late Senator Geraldine Thompson’s Sponsored Bills in 2025 Legislative Session

Published

5 days ago

March 11, 2025

FNN NEWS

Photo by Florida National News / Harry Castiblanco

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FNN) – Florida lawmakers are moving forward with several bills formerly sponsored by the late Senator Geraldine Thompson, ensuring her legislative efforts continue to shape the state’s future.

Senator Arrington (District 25) is now the sponsor of SB 208/HB 33, previously led by Senator Thompson. This bill, known as “An Agreement Among the States to Elect the National Popular Vote,” proposes allocating Florida’s electoral votes to the presidential candidate who wins the national popular vote. The bill seeks to shift away from the traditional Electoral College system, ensuring the candidate with the most votes nationwide becomes President. However, this change will only take effect once enough states possessing a majority of electoral votes join the agreement. SB 208 has been referred to the Ethics and Elections, Judiciary, and Rules committees.

Senator Smith (District 15) has taken up SB 1754/HB 1413, previously championed by Senator Thompson, which proposes the creation of the Florida Museum of History at the Town of Eatonville. The museum aims to showcase Florida’s diverse history, highlighting significant contributions from African American, Hispanic, and women’s communities. The project proposes a five-year $75 million budget in state appropriations with additional revenue from admission fees, events, and retail sales.

Senator Rodriguez (District 40) is sponsoring SB 246, another bill formerly led by Senator Thompson, designed to expand grandparents’ visitation rights. The bill allows grandparents to seek visitation with minor grandchildren under broader conditions than current law permits, such as when parents are divorced or if one parent is missing, deceased, or incapacitated. The bill is now under review by the Children, Families & Elder Affairs, Judiciary, and Rules committees.

In addition, Senator Osgood (District 32) is sponsoring two key business-related bills previously supported by Senator Thompson: SB 1614 and SB 1616. SB 1614 introduces a streamlined process for expedited business filings with the Florida Department of State, establishing structured fees for incorporation, reinstatement, and more. SB 1616 builds on this by outlining tiered fees for expedited filing services, ensuring faster business registration options. Both bills are interdependent, requiring joint passage to take effect.

Lastly, Senator Davis (District 5) is advancing SB 1582, an ambitious election reform bill originally sponsored by Senator Thompson. The bill proposes making the Secretary of State an elected position, implementing same-day voter registration, and ensuring language accessibility in elections. It also introduces the Florida Voting Rights Act, which aims to protect minority voters and provide clear guidance for individuals with felony convictions seeking voting eligibility.

With these efforts, Florida lawmakers are ensuring that Senator Geraldine Thompson’s dedication to justice, equality, and community advancement continues to impact the state for years to come.

Florida

BREAKING NEWS: President Trump Arrives in Florida with Billionaire Elon Musk, Heads to Mar-a-Lago

Published

1 week ago

March 7, 2025

FNN NEWS

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (FNN) – President Donald Trump arrived at Palm Beach International Airport aboard Air Force One on Friday, March 7, 2025, just before 8 PM, marking another high-profile visit to his Florida residence. Accompanying the President was billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk, the world’s richest man, alongside a group of officials and guests.

Photo by Florida National News / Roman Garay

Upon landing, President Trump and Musk were swiftly escorted from Air Force One, greeting a select group of supporters and dignitaries before boarding vehicles in the presidential motorcade. The convoy departed the airport en route to Mar-a-Lago, Trump’s private estate in Palm Beach.

This visit comes amid heightened political and economic discussions, with Musk’s presence fueling speculation about potential collaborations or policy discussions between the business magnate and the Trump administration.

Trump’s arrival in Florida follows a series of major policy announcements and public engagements as he continues to solidify his political influence ahead of the 2025 landscape.

Stay tuned for updates as Florida National News (FNN) continues to monitor the President’s visit and its potential implications.

Florida

Women’s History Month Spotlight: Former State Lawmaker Daisy Morales’ Impact on Florida & Beyond

Published

2 weeks ago

March 2, 2025

FNN NEWS

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – In celebration of Women’s History Month, Florida National News highlights the groundbreaking contributions of Daisy Morales, a proud Puerto Rican leader whose dedication to public service has left a lasting impact on Florida and beyond. Morales made history as a Florida State Representative and an elected Supervisor for the Orange County Soil & Water Conservation District, serving a total of eight years in public office.

A Legacy of Bipartisan Leadership

During her tenure as a State Representative, Morales proved to be a champion for bipartisan collaboration. She sponsored and co-sponsored over 110 bipartisan bills that became state law in her first term—more than any other Democratic lawmaker at the time. Among her key legislative achievements, she successfully spearheaded efforts to expand educational opportunities for disabled veterans. Her landmark legislation was included in the Governor’s bill-signing ceremony and later became a national model for lawmakers in other states, reinforcing her influence beyond Florida.

“Women’s History Month is a time to celebrate the strength, resilience, and achievements of women who have shaped our communities and paved the way for future generations,” Morales told Florida National News. “As a Puerto Rican lawmaker, I have dedicated my career to advocating for equal opportunities in education, healthcare, and economic empowerment.”

Commitment to Environmental Conservation

Before serving in the Florida House, Morales focused on environmental conservation as an elected Supervisor for the Orange County Soil & Water Conservation District. She worked alongside two Orange County Commissioners to install Orange County Soil & Water Conservation District signage at key county lines, marking the boundaries between Orange, Seminole, and Osceola Counties. Her leadership helped raise awareness about local environmental conservation efforts and reinforced the district’s role in protecting Florida’s natural resources.

Leadership in Crisis Response

Morales distinguished herself as a dedicated leader during the COVID-19 crisis and in response to hurricanes, effectively addressing the challenges that impacted her district and the people of Florida. Her proactive approach and leadership during these crises helped ensure critical resources and support reached those in need.

Continuing Advocacy Through the Puerto Rican Heritage Network

Even after leaving public office, Morales continues her commitment to community service. In 2023, she founded the Puerto Rican Heritage Network, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to promoting Puerto Rican culture, education, and leadership. Through this initiative, she remains an active force in uplifting and empowering Puerto Ricans across Florida and beyond.

Recognizing a Champion for Women’s History Month

As we honor Women’s History Month in 2025, Daisy Morales’ legacy stands as a testament to the power of dedicated leadership. Her contributions to education, veterans’ rights, environmental conservation, and bipartisan policymaking continue to inspire future generations. Through her unwavering advocacy, she remains a powerful voice for inclusivity and progress in Florida.