Trump’s Endorsement of Florida Republican Sparks Sharp Backlash From Parts of MAGA Base
Trump’s endorsement of Florida Republican Rep. María Elvira Salazar for reelection has sparked anger among conservatives, highlighting tensions over immigration policy and campaign strategy.
Trump endorsed Salazar and six Florida Republicans late Tuesday. He praised Salazar for her work on economic growth, tax reduction, deregulation, strengthening domestic manufacturing, expanding American energy production, securing the southern border, combating migrant-related crime, supporting the military and veterans, and defending Second Amendment rights in a statement. Trump’s endorsement shows his persistent influence on Republican primaries and congressional elections ahead of the election.
Salazar officially thanked the former president for his support within hours. She underlined her immigration reform, housing access, and economic opportunity legislative goals and her personal connection to Miami’s immigrant population. Calling Miami “the ultimate melting pot,” she said her own background reflects the stories of many who came to the United States seeking freedom and opportunity. She promised to deliver results while maintaining conservative ideals.
Some MAGA supporters were upset by the endorsement. Salazar’s sponsorship of the bipartisan DIGNIDAD Act, presented in July with Texas Democratic Rep. Veronica Escobar, was quickly criticized. Certain undocumented immigrants who have been in the US before 2021 would receive a structured, temporary legal status under the bill.
The proposed framework allowed eligible individuals to petition for seven years of legal status with employment authorization. Citizenship and federal benefits are not directly available under the plan. Participants must repay and meet eligibility requirements. The bill’s supporters say it balances accountability and economic realism.
Some conservative critics call the measure “amnesty,” a concept that hardline immigration voters value. Political journalist and Trump supporter AJ Inapi said MAGA base concerns are valid. Trump’s endorsement may reflect bigger electoral calculations, as Salazar has no strong MAGA-aligned opponent in Florida’s 27th Congressional District.
Far-right activist Laura Loomer also denounced it. She supported Trump but questioned supporting a legislator who supports the DIGNIDAD Act, calling it mass amnesty. Other conservative voices echoed similar frustrations on social media, questioning whether the endorsement aligns with Trump’s past campaign promises on immigration enforcement.
California conservative populist David Giglio publicly inquired if Trump supports Salazar’s immigration reform. He claimed that many Trump voters expect fierce resistance to any unauthorized immigrant leniency policy.
Additionally, attorney and political analyst Tom Renz suggested internal campaign strategies may be affecting recent endorsements. He said the move could alienate MAGA fans. Another social media user found the scenario puzzling and questioned how legal status proposals support “Make America Great Again”.
Former Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, a Trump friend now critical on several issues, branded the endorsement a “insult” to the base. Salazar favors unauthorized immigrants over tough enforcement, she said.
Salazar directly denied Greene’s contention that the DIGNIDAD Act constitutes amnesty. She highlighted that the law requires accountability and reparation for “dignity, not amnesty.” She also noted previous public statements suggesting wholesale deportation of all undocumented immigrants may not be feasible.
Conservatives questioned Trump’s endorsement of Florida Rep. Cory Mills and Salazar. Mills has faced allegations related to stolen valor, domestic disputes, and financial misconduct, though he has denied the accusations. Conservative critics wondered why Trump would support him amid turmoil.
The issue exposes Republican debates over immigration, electoral pragmatism, and ideological consistency. Trump still has tremendous influence in the party, but reactions to this endorsement reveal that grassroots supporters disagree on immigration reform.
This endorsement may influence individual elections and the Republican Party as primary campaigns progress. Whether the backlash diminishes or deepens could indicate MAGA coalition unity heading into future elections.
Sources
NJ.com reporting by Rachel Cohen
Public statements from President Donald Trump on Truth Social
Public statements from Rep. María Elvira Salazar on X
Details of the DIGNIDAD Act as introduced in Congress
Public statements from AJ Inapi, Laura Loomer, David Giglio, Tom Renz, and Marjorie Taylor Greene
