Former Republican National Committee co-chair Lara Trump announced on social media that she’s no longer interested in replacing Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), her father-in-law’s choice to become secretary of state.
However, in an X post, the wife of President-elect Donald Trump’s son, Eric Trump, added a cryptic message about her future.
“After an incredible amount of thought, contemplation, and encouragement from so many, I have decided to remove my name from consideration for the United States Senate,” Lara Trump wrote.
“I could not have been more honored to serve as RNC co-chair during the most high-stakes election of our lifetime and I’m truly humbled by the unbelievable support shown to me by the people of our country, and here in the great state of Florida. I have read so many of your kind messages and I cannot thank you enough,” she said.
Lara then added: “I do have a big announcement that I’m excited to share in January, so, stay tuned.”
“I remain incredibly passionate about public service and look forward to serving our country again sometime in the future. In the meantime, I wish [Florida] Governor [Ron] DeSantis the best of luck with this appointment,” she concluded.
Lara Trump’s name had been floated as a replacement for Rubio, who is seen as very likely to be confirmed by the incoming GOP Senate majority to become the Trump administration’s top diplomat.
But her withdrawal will likely make DeSantis’ job much less fraught after reports surfaced earlier this month that the president-elect had pushed the Florida governor and one-time presidential rival to appoint his daughter-in-law to Rubio’s seat.
According to The Wall Street Journal, sources familiar with the matter told the outlet that President-elect Trump recently spoke with DeSantis, advocating for Lara Trump as a candidate for Rubio’s seat.
The 42-year-old signaled her ambitions by announcing her resignation as co-chair of the RNC, a position she assumed earlier this year while playing a key role in securing her father-in-law’s return to the White House, the outlet noted.
“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 Trump said Sunday on Fox News. Three years ago, Lara Trump and her husband, Eric, moved to Florida. Previously, she considered running for the Senate in her home state of North Carolina, the WSJ noted.
“It is something I would seriously consider,” she added in an interview this week with The Associated Press.
LARA TRUMP LEAVES RNC
Where do things go from here? “It’s a strong possibility she could take Marco Rubio’s seat in the Senate.”@JSolomonReports @WorkingWomanTV @DBrodyReports @TBatesNews pic.twitter.com/KSE6yfob5N
— Real America’s Voice (RAV) (@RealAmVoice) December 10, 2024
DeSantis has the authority to appoint someone to fill Rubio’s seat until a special election is held in 2026. Florida boasts a strong pool of ambitious Republicans, including individuals close to the governor. Allies of DeSantis note that he is considering a variety of candidates but acknowledge that selecting Lara Trump could help mend his relationship with the president-elect.
DeSantis has indicated that he will make his decision by early January, the WSJ report noted.
The outlet continued:
It isn’t a given that DeSantis will pick Lara Trump, and people close to the governor note he has an independent streak. He is considering several candidates, including Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody, according to a person familiar with the matter. But as one Trump insider observed, the idea has gone from a fanciful “wouldn’t that be interesting” sentiment to a distinct possibility.
The governor’s decision to challenge Trump for the presidential nomination led to vicious attacks from Trump over disloyalty given his endorsement was crucial for DeSantis as he ran for governor in 2018. DeSantis fired back during the campaign, noting Trump’s legal issues and age.
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