Lara Trump, daughter-in-law of President-elect Donald Trump, is reportedly positioning herself as a potential U.S. Senator from Florida, with strong backing from her father-in-law. According to sources cited by The Wall Street Journal, Trump recently urged Florida Governor Ron DeSantis to consider Lara as a candidate to fill the Senate seat being vacated by Senator Marco Rubio. Rubio is expected to become the next Secretary of State under the Trump administration, pending Senate confirmation early next year.
The appointment decision lies with DeSantis, who has the authority to select someone to serve until a special election is held in 2026. The choice of Lara Trump would not only elevate her already fast-growing political profile but could also signal a reconciliation between DeSantis and the president-elect following their contentious rivalry during the Republican presidential primaries.
At 42 years old, Lara Trump has quickly become a significant figure in Republican politics. Her role as co-chair of the Republican National Committee (RNC), where she was instrumental in supporting Donald Trump’s successful return to the White House, showcased her leadership abilities. On Sunday, Lara announced her resignation from the RNC, signaling her readiness to pursue the Senate opportunity.
“I would say that my track record speaks for itself. Maybe having the last name Trump is just a little bit extra. I’m always happy to have it,” Lara said during an interview on Fox News.
Three years ago, she and her husband, Eric Trump, relocated to Florida, cementing her ties to the state. Previously, she considered running for the Senate in her home state of North Carolina but ultimately decided to focus on Florida’s political landscape.
In a recent interview with The Associated Press, Lara confirmed her interest in Rubio’s seat, stating, “It is something I would seriously consider.”
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis faces a critical decision in appointing Rubio’s replacement. The state boasts a deep bench of Republican talent, including Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody, who is reportedly under consideration. Sources close to DeSantis suggest he values maintaining his independence but acknowledge the strategic benefits of selecting Lara Trump.
Appointing Lara could repair his strained relationship with the president-elect. The two Republican leaders clashed during the primary season, with Trump attacking DeSantis over perceived disloyalty and DeSantis countering by pointing out Trump’s legal challenges and age. Despite their differences, the pair reached a détente earlier this year, brokered by mutual ally and real-estate mogul Steve Witkoff.
The prospect of a DeSantis-Trump alliance is further underscored by reports that Trump is considering DeSantis for the role of Secretary of Defense if his current nominee, Pete Hegseth, encounters Senate opposition. DeSantis has reportedly expressed willingness to accept the position if offered.
Both Trump and DeSantis are scheduled to attend the Army-Navy football game on Saturday, where they are expected to discuss critical appointments.
Lara Trump’s potential appointment has garnered both support and skepticism. Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk and his mother, Maye Musk, have expressed enthusiasm for her candidacy. “The Senate is an old man’s club. We desperately need a smart, young, outspoken woman who will reveal their secrets,” Maye Musk tweeted last month.
Florida Senator Rick Scott, a former governor, also praised Lara’s qualifications, citing her successful tenure as RNC co-chair.
However, some close to DeSantis have raised concerns about optics. They worry that appointing Lara Trump to the Senate seat while accepting the defense secretary position could appear as though one appointment was exchanged for the other. These individuals have denied any deal-making, emphasizing the need for careful decision-making in such high-stakes appointments.
Lara Trump, for her part, has voiced strong support for Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense and hopes he will secure Senate confirmation.
DeSantis is expected to announce his decision in early January, leaving little time for speculation. The choice will undoubtedly have far-reaching implications for Florida’s political future and the national Republican landscape.
For Lara Trump, the Senate seat represents the next step in a meteoric rise within the GOP. Her ties to the Trump family, combined with her growing influence and experience, position her as a strong contender. If selected, she would bring a younger, outspoken perspective to the Senate, aligning with the Republican Party’s efforts to energize its base ahead of the 2026 special election.
As Rubio prepares to take on a new role as Secretary of State, the focus shifts to Florida, where the race to replace him could redefine the state’s political dynamics for years to come. Whether Lara Trump becomes the state’s newest senator or another candidate steps into the spotlight, one thing is clear: the decision will have a lasting impact on Florida and beyond.