New Trump-DeSantis proxy war launches over key Florida job

DeSantis’ Cabinet Pick Sparks Tensions with Trump Allies

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis was just beginning to mend fences with former President Donald Trump. However, his recent appointment of a loyalist to a key state cabinet position has ignited controversy in the MAGA universe, potentially jeopardizing that fragile reconciliation.

In a surprising move, DeSantis opted for state Sen. Blaise Ingoglia over Trump-endorsed state Sen. Joe Gruters for the role of state chief financial officer, merely two weeks after Trump declared that DeSantis would “always be my friend,” implying a solid alliance. This decision sets the stage for a Republican clash, as Ingoglia and Gruters prepare for a primary battle in August 2026.

This incident marks the first public confrontation between DeSantis and Trump since the latter’s success in the Iowa Caucuses, which forced DeSantis to exit the presidential race. The implications of this rivalry are causing anxiety among state GOP lobbyists and operatives, who fear that yet another showdown between these two figures could become a distracting and divisive spectacle.

Gruters’ campaign is enlisting seasoned Trump operatives, including Chris LaCivita, Trump’s 2024 co-campaign manager, and chief Trump pollster Tony Fabrizio. LaCivita asserted his intention to “defeat any poser that stands in our way,” while Fabrizio cautioned that DeSantis’ choice “will be viewed as a direct rebuke to the MAGA agenda.”

During an event in Tampa, DeSantis wasted no time defending his choice of Ingoglia, arguing that Gruters’ record—particularly his support for an immigration bill that DeSantis vetoed—disqualified him. The governor maintained that the bill would have hindered the establishment of the controversial “Alligator Alcatraz” immigration detention center.

“Joe Gruters has taken major positions that are totally contrary to what our voter base wants,” DeSantis declared. “So if George Washington rose from the dead and asked me to appoint Joe Gruters as CFO, my answer would be a definitive ‘no.’ I can’t do that without betraying the voters who elected me to lead this state in a conservative direction.”

Efforts were made by allies of the governor to avert this confrontation, with talks reportedly held to persuade Gruters to withdraw from the CFO race in exchange for another government position. Positions on the table included the presidency or chancellorship of the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee Campus, according to several GOP insiders who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

A senior White House official conveyed that Trump endorsed whatever course Gruters wishes to pursue, emphasizing that “Joe has always supported the president.” The official also stated that Trump did not pressure DeSantis regarding Gruters, while DeSantis claimed he hadn’t consulted Trump about the appointment.

“We have not taken a hard line against Blaise—but that doesn’t mean we won’t,” the White House official remarked. “If we want to beat Blaise, we will beat him.” This statement coincided with a recent St. Pete Polls survey indicating Gruters leading by 50 points when voters were informed of Trump’s endorsement, without mentioning Ingoglia’s backing from DeSantis.

Negotiations may continue for Gruters to withdraw, facilitating a smoother path for Ingoglia toward the GOP nomination for CFO. One veteran GOP operative noted that the White House would likely demand some concession from DeSantis in return, perhaps endorsing Trump-backed Rep. Byron Donalds for the next governor of Florida. If this doesn’t happen, the operative speculated, “I don’t see how this whole thing gets resolved.”

The governor’s office declined to provide comment, merely pointing to DeSantis’ statements made at the press conference. Meanwhile, the senior White House official suggested that while Trump hasn’t pressured DeSantis to endorse Donalds, “it would be the right thing to do if he supports the president as he claims.” The official expressed confidence in Donalds’ chances, attributing them to Trump’s backing.

However, DeSantis has already downplayed Donalds’ candidacy, reportedly considering backing another candidate—potentially even his wife, Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis—once his term concludes.

Trump had previously encouraged Gruters to run for CFO well over a year ago, long before the position became available. Former CFO Jimmy Patronis stepped down in late March to successfully contest for Matt Gaetz’s former congressional seat.

Though Gruters has been vocal about his desire for the CFO role, his relationship with DeSantis has been strained over the years. Gruters’ alignment with Trump and his criticism of the governor has created a rift, particularly after he supported a 2024 marijuana legalization ballot initiative that DeSantis vigorously opposed.

DeSantis referenced the marijuana debate when questioned about his decision to overlook Gruters, highlighting the state senator’s vote against a bill aimed at making it easier to decertify unions. In contrast, Ingoglia has consistently supported DeSantis’ agenda, sponsoring initiatives on voting restrictions, illegal immigration, and death penalty reforms. Ingoglia has also publicly expressed his interest in the CFO position while pledging to respect the governor’s choice.

During a contentious moment within Florida’s GOP legislative supermajority earlier this year, Ingoglia championed DeSantis’ position against Gruters and others. He defended the “Alligator Alcatraz” facility amidst criticism from Democrats regarding its conditions, while Gruters had previously attended the facility’s opening alongside Trump.

“Every single time we’ve had a flashpoint in Florida,” DeSantis remarked, “Blaise is running into battle to stand up for people like you.”

The Florida CFO plays a crucial role in managing the state’s finances and overseeing banking and insurance regulations, which have posed significant challenges for Floridians due to soaring property and car insurance costs. Ingoglia strongly backed DeSantis’ initiatives to reduce property taxes while signaling that this would remain a top priority as they approach the 2026 election cycle.

Yet, Trump’s endorsement of Gruters is expected to overshadow other considerations. DeSantis previously thrived in the 2018 gubernatorial primary largely due to Trump’s support. Republican Rep. Randy Fine pointed out that he won 83 percent of the vote in his special election primary after receiving Trump’s endorsement.

“If Ron DeSantis wants to campaign against Donald Trump again, it’s clear he hasn’t learned from what happened last time,” Fine remarked, indicating that DeSantis’ actions reflect his priorities in relation to Trump.

Despite the current tensions, DeSantis had reasons to feel optimistic about his standing with Trump. Just two weeks ago, Trump praised him during a Florida visit, suggesting that past conflicts were now behind them.

White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, who once had a turbulent relationship with DeSantis, remarked that their fallout was in the “rearview mirror” and acknowledged DeSantis as a “good governor.”

DeSantis might feel more empowered after successfully defeating the marijuana ballot measure and another on abortion rights, with Trump’s involvement limited to social media commentary. It remains uncertain how frequently Trump will campaign in Florida during the primary, though a White House official hinted that the president would engage if deemed necessary.

“The fact is,” the official stated, “the president can and will defeat any candidate he chooses to support.”

This isn’t the first instance of DeSantis favoring his allies over Trump’s selections. He previously appointed loyalist Ashley Moody to the Senate after Marco Rubio left for the State Department, despite Trump’s initial preference for his daughter-in-law, Lara Trump. Moody has successfully recruited key Trump operatives for her own campaign in 2026, indicating she may not face any challengers backed by Trump.

“In general, [DeSantis] tends to be ideologically consistent in his appointments,” noted a Florida-based GOP lobbyist and political strategist. “Look at the immense pressure he faced from Trump World to appoint Lara Trump. Instead, he appointed Ashley Moody, who has gained respect within MAGA circles.”