Full Breakdown
Trump’s Public Rebuff of Rep. María Elvira Salazar Fuels Intra-Party Tension in Florida
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
On a Saturday in late September 2026, President Donald Trump amplified more than a dozen social-media posts that attacked Rep. María Elvira Salazar (R-FL), a three-term congresswoman facing a competitive November race. The reposted messages called Salazar a “back stabber” and urged a “NEW Republican” to replace her. Trump’s own platform, Truth Social, carried the criticism, marking the sharpest public break since Salazar’s campaign ad earlier that month condemned the president’s immigration crackdown.
Background & Context
Salazar’s ad, filmed in front of the White House, challenged Trump’s immigration policy, stating, “Mr. President, some of your immigration enforcement efforts have gone too far.” The ad noted that roughly half of ICE detainees in July had no criminal record. Representing a district where over 70 % of voters are Hispanic, Salazar warned that Latino supporters who helped Trump win in 2024 felt “betrayed.”
Trump had endorsed Salazar in February 2026, praising her “fantastic job” representing Florida’s 27th Congressional District. Recent polling shows a decline in Trump’s favorability among Latino voters.
Data & Statistics
- ICE arrests peaked at ? 51,000 in August 2026, up from > 46,000 in July.
- A Global Strategy Group poll showed Trump’s favorability in Florida fell 10 points since January, to 46 % favorable and 52 % unfavorable.
- The Cook Political Report shifted Salazar’s seat rating from “likely Republican” to “lean Republican.”
- Gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds has raised ? $121 million, far outpacing Democratic opponent David Jolly.
Official Statements & Responses
- Salazar told *Face the Nation* she had a “fantastic conversation” with Trump, describing him as “very courteous, very receptive.”
- A Republican spokesperson reiterated the party’s stance on immigration, emphasizing “law and order” and “secure borders” while distancing from the president’s rhetoric.
Criticism & Opposition
- Carlos Curbelo’s text highlighted internal GOP dissent, arguing that Trump’s tactics could jeopardize the party’s hold on Salazar’s district.
- State Sen. Don Gaetz warned that any Republican on the ballot should be concerned about a Democratic opponent, reflecting broader anxiety about the party’s prospects in Florida.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Anyone who thinks Republicans' 1.5 million registration advantage means nothing should go back to second grade to learn how to count.” — Delanie Bomar, spokeswoman
- “Mr. President, some of your immigration enforcement efforts have gone too far.” — Rep. María Elvira Salazar
- “Byron Donalds would be a truly Great and Powerful Governor for Florida and, should he decide to run, will have my Complete and Total Endorsement," Mr.” — Donald Trump
Why It Matters
The episode illustrates a fracture within the Florida Republican establishment. Salazar’s criticism threatens Trump’s appeal to Hispanic voters, a key component of his 2024 coalition. The removal of Trump references from Byron Donalds’ campaign website—reported on September 24, 2026—signals a tactical shift among GOP candidates balancing loyalty to Trump with broader electoral viability.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the exact status of Trump’s endorsement after the reposting episode. While Trump told reporters he “still supports” Salazar, the surge of critical posts and the lack of a clear endorsement reaffirmation leave the precise nature of his backing ambiguous. No official clarification has been provided by the White House.