Florida Republican Rep. Byron Donalds, a Trump loyalist and potential vice presidential contender, had previously criticized Trump in 2011 and 2012 through social media posts and interviews. He had attacked Trump’s protectionist trade policies and birtherism comments about Obama. Donalds had expressed that Trump was a distraction who cared more about himself than the country. Despite his past criticisms, Donalds now enjoys Trump’s support and is seen as an effective surrogate for the former president.
Other Republican vice presidential contenders, such as Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance and New York Rep. Elise Stefanik, have also criticized Trump in the past. However, Donalds’ close alignment with Trump has elevated his standing within the party. Trump values Donalds for his ability to attract Black male voters away from Joe Biden. Donalds’ endorsement of Trump over Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis further solidified his place in Trump’s inner circle and as a trusted supporter.
While Trump has considered Donalds as a potential running mate, complications arise due to both being Florida residents. The 12th Amendment allows for a president and vice president from the same state, but electors must vote for candidates from different states. This would require one of them to change their residency to collect electoral votes from Florida. Donalds, who embraces Trump’s policies today, previously championed free trade and cuts to entitlement programs, showcasing how Trump has reshaped the GOP.
In the past, Donalds was an advocate for free trade and cutting entitlement programs, positions that were at odds with Trump’s policies. Despite a failed 2012 congressional bid, Donalds won a seat in the Florida House of Representatives in 2016 and later in Congress in 2020. He fully embraced the Trump agenda and positioned himself as a staunch supporter. Donalds’ past criticisms against Trump, expressed during his tea party activism, contrast with his current alignment with Trump’s policies and rhetoric.
Donalds’ shift from tea party activism to supporting Trump has been drastic. While defending Mitt Romney in 2012, he argued for outsourcing and free trade, positions that were not in line with Trump’s protectionist views. Donalds’ embrace of calls to privatize Social Security and Medicare during his 2012 campaign for Congress is conflicting with his current stance against cuts to these programs. The videos and social media content from his past activism could potentially be a liability as he vies for the vice presidential spot. Despite his past criticisms, Donalds now stands as a strong Trump supporter and potential running mate due to his alignment with Trump’s policies and loyalty.
