President Donald Trump on Thursday endorsed Florida state Sen. Joe Gruters to lead the Republican National Committee (RNC), setting the stage for a leadership transition as RNC Chairman Michael Whatley prepares to run for the U.S. Senate in North Carolina.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said Gruters would have his “Complete and Total Endorsement” to succeed Whatley, who is stepping down to enter the race for the seat being vacated by retiring Sen. Thom Tillis. Gruters, currently the RNC treasurer, was a former chairman of the Republican Party of Florida.
“Fortunately, I have somebody who will do a wonderful job as the Chairman of the RNC,” Trump wrote. “His name is Joe Gruters.”
Trump’s endorsement comes days after Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed Sen. Blaise Ingoglia to the Florida chief financial officer post, bypassing Gruters despite Trump’s earlier support for him as a candidate for the position.
The endorsement comes as the RNC prepares for a likely leadership vote, which would be triggered by Whatley’s formal resignation. Committee members are responsible for electing a new chair, though endorsements from the president traditionally carry significant influence within party ranks.
Republican Party of Florida Chairman Evan Power also backed Gruters, stating that he is “happy to cast [his] vote” for Gruters.
Trump’s endorsement of Gruters comes days after Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed Florida state Sen. Blaise Ingoglia to the state’s chief financial officer post, bypassing Gruters despite Trump’s earlier support for him as a candidate for the position.
