Trump amplifies calls to oust Salazar after her anti-deportation ad
President Trump has sharply escalated his opposition to Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar (R-Fla.) by reposting over a dozen social media messages calling for her replacement, just weeks after endorsing her. The rift follows Salazar’s recent campaign ad criticizing the administration’s immigration enforcement as excessive. While Trump previously praised her, he now claims she is not 'strong on borders.' The dispute highlights deepening divisions within the GOP base over immigration tactics and Hispanic voter support ahead of the November election.
Key points
- Trump reposted more than a dozen Truth Social messages attacking Salazar, including calls for a new Republican to replace her.
- Salazar released a campaign ad filmed at the White House stating that immigration enforcement has 'gone too far' and alienated Hispanic voters.
- The White House did not immediately confirm whether Trump would retract his August endorsement of Salazar.
- Salazar’s district is over 70% Hispanic, and her primary opponent, Eliott Rodriguez, is a former CBS Miami anchor.
- Trump told reporters he still supports Salazar but criticized her for not being 'strong on borders.'
- Salazar’s office and the White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Background
This conflict follows Salazar’s August 2026 endorsement from Trump, who praised her work in Florida’s 27th District. The tension emerged after she released a campaign ad in September criticizing the administration’s mass deportation policies. Previous coverage noted that Salazar’s district is a key battleground for Hispanic voters, and her stance contrasts with other Florida Republicans who have remained aligned with the administration’s hardline approach.
How outlets are covering it
Politico frames the situation as a sharp rupture between the president and a key ally, noting that Trump’s endorsement was given just weeks prior. CNN emphasizes the volume of attacks Trump amplified, including calls for Salazar’s removal. CBS News highlights the local campaign dynamics, focusing on Rodriguez’s criticism of Salazar for backing away from mass deportation rhetoric. The Miami Herald editorial board endorses Rodriguez, arguing Salazar is less suited to hold the administration accountable on issues like deportations and the Iran war, despite her recent ad.
Why it matters
The conflict signals a potential shift in GOP strategy regarding immigration, as Hispanic voters are a critical demographic for the party. It also raises questions about the durability of Trump’s endorsements and the internal party cohesion ahead of the 2026 midterms.
What to watch
The White House and Salazar’s office are expected to clarify whether the endorsement will be formally retracted. The campaign will likely intensify as the November election approaches, with both sides focusing on immigration and cost-of-living issues.
- Trump posts series of attacks on GOP congresswoman who criticized him on immigration cnn.com
- Rodriguez blasts Salazar for recent Trump ad CBS News
- Trump Promotes Criticism of Republican Who Broke With Him on Immigration nytimes.com
- Trump turns on Salazar after Florida Republican challenges his immigration crackdown Politico
- Election endorsement: Miami’s U.S. House District 27 Miami Herald
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