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Florida ties: Trump’s transition team leaning heavily on Florida allies as cabinet assembly process begins

Floridians Wiles, Rubio, Waltz, and Scott all expected to have major roles in Trump’s administration

Sen. Marco Rubio (left), Susie Wiles (center) and Rep. Mike Waltz are all Republicans with Florida ties that have been selected to President-elect Donald Trump's Cabinet. (Copyright 2024 by WJXT News4JAX - All rights reserved.)

FLORIDA – Just one week after winning the 2024 presidential election, President-elect Donald Trump and his transition team are moving quickly to fill key positions, and the pace has surprised political analysts.

RELATED: Here are the people Trump has picked for key positions so far

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Several Florida Republicans are set to take on influential roles in his new administration. Susie Wiles has already been appointed as White House Chief of Staff, Rep. Michael Waltz has been asked to serve as the administration’s National Security Adviser, and it appears that Senator Marco Rubio has been asked to join Trump’s Cabinet as the Secretary of State.

Political experts say they’re struck by how rapidly the administration is coming together, especially after Trump was criticized for being unprepared following his win in 2016.

“Having gone through the process of governing, they fully understand the time constraint and how quickly four years can go,” said Dr. Michael Binder, a political science professor at the University of North Florida. “They’re going to be ready to go right when the gun starts in January.”

Binder also noted that the potential appointment of Sen. Marco Rubio as the U.S. Secretary of State makes sense when one considers Rubio’s experience and status as the top Republican on the Senate Intelligence Committee.

Additionally, President-elect Trump has tapped Rep. Mike Waltz as his national security adviser. If these appointments go through, it would be Gov. Ron DeSantis’s obligation to appoint their replacements and organize special elections for their seats.

“A lot of people in Florida are moving around and packing their bags for D.C... It’s creating openings,” Binder explains. “Whether it’s a congressional seat or potentially a spot elsewhere in the state legislature...All those folks are going to have opportunities now to have their seats filled, [and allow] others to climb up the ladder.”

Rick Mullaney, the executive director of the Jacksonville University Public Policy Institute, said he has noticed a pattern with the selections to Trump’s Cabinet.

“They’re loyal to Trump, they’re experienced, and they share his vision for the future,” Mullaney said. “I think you’re going to see that trend in his future picks as well.”

Mullaney also predicts that more big names from Florida are expected to be considered for cabinet roles.

“Attorney General, Treasury, and Commerce are all major appointments coming up,” said Mullaney. “[And] Trump hasn’t been shy about turning to Florida for leadership.”

Another key position in Trump’s administration that could be filled by a Florida ally is the role of Senate Majority Leader.

On Wednesday, Senate Republicans will vote on who should fill the position, and it appears as if Florida Senator Rick Scott is favored to land the gig.

Scott is competing against Senators John Thune of South Dakota and John Cornyn of Texas to determine who will become Senate Majority Leader.


About the Author
Tarik Minor headshot

Tarik anchors the 4, 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. weekday newscasts and reports with the I-TEAM.

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