President Trump on Wednesday endorsed James Uthmeier for Florida attorney general, ending months of speculation over his stance on Gov. Ron DeSantis’s ally.
On Truth Social, Trump praised Uthmeier as the “man behind Alligator Alcatraz,” the Everglades immigration detention center, calling him a “true champion for MAGA.”
“James Uthmeier is a Strong Conservative Fighter and Prosecutor, and has my Complete and Total Endorsement,” Trump wrote.
Uthmeier, who managed Gov. Ron DeSantis’s presidential campaign and at the time criticized Trump, was appointed Florida attorney general in February after DeSantis elevated Ashley Moody to Marco Rubio’s former U.S. Senate seat. In recent weeks, Uthmeier has played a key role in brokering the transfer of prime downtown Miami property from the state to the foundation planning out Trump’s presidential library. He told POLITICO he met with the foundation, visited several proposed sites, and reviewed the legal framework for the deal. The agreement has since sparked a legal challenge.
Trump’s endorsement of Uthmeier may ease tensions with Gov. Ron DeSantis and avert a full-blown proxy fight in Florida’s 2026 races. Trump has already backed Rep. Byron Donalds for governor, though DeSantis hasn’t followed suit, and Lt. Gov. Jay Collins may challenge Donalds. Trump also endorsed Sen. Joe Gruters for CFO, but DeSantis instead appointed his ally Blaise Ingoglia after Jimmy Patronis resigned to run for Congress. During the Ingoglia appointment, DeSantis criticized Gruters as insufficiently conservative. Trump then endorsed Gruters for RNC chair, though Gruters later withdrew from the race.
In a brief post on X, Uthmeier thanked Trump and said, “I will keep fighting on behalf of Floridians and the American people, and I won’t let you down.”
Thank you, Mr. President.
I will keep fighting on behalf of Floridians and the American people, and I won’t let you down. pic.twitter.com/q85qXJ5fEc
— James Uthmeier (@JamesUthmeierFL) October 8, 2025
Four GOP operatives in Florida confirmed reports that the White House tried to recruit House Speaker Daniel Perez to run against Uthmeier. A source close to Perez said he was “honored” by the encouragement but was never actively pursuing the role.
