‘Every single time’: Ron DeSantis isn’t taking orders from Trump anymore as he picks his own loyalist

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has appointed state Senator Blaise Ingoglia as the state’s new chief financial officer, bypassing Trump-endorsed candidate Joe Gruters. This decision has created the first direct conflict between the former presidential rivals since Trump’s victory in the Iowa Caucuses.

According to Politico, the appointment comes just two weeks after Trump declared DeSantis would “always be my friend” and that they had “blood that seems to match pretty well.” The decision has worried state GOP lobbyists and operatives, who are concerned about another potentially divisive Trump-DeSantis clash in Florida, particularly given Trump’s history of calling DeSantis a ‘RINO GLOBALIST’ who ‘closed quickly down Florida and even its beaches’.

During the announcement in Tampa, DeSantis strongly defended his choice, highlighting Ingoglia’s loyalty and commitment to conservative values. “Every single time we have had a flashpoint in Florida, Blaise is running into battle to stand up for people like you,” DeSantis said. He criticized Gruters’ record, particularly his support for an immigration bill that the governor had vetoed.

Trump allies bring strong backing to Gruters’ campaign

The Gruters campaign has secured support from key Trump operatives, including Trump’s 2024 co-campaign manager Chris LaCivita as senior strategist and chief pollster Tony Fabrizio. A recent St. Pete Polls survey showed Gruters leading by 50 points when voters were informed of Trump’s endorsement.

Attempts were made to avoid this confrontation, with discussions taking place to offer Gruters alternative positions, including leadership roles at the University of South Florida, Sarasota-Manatee Campus. However, these negotiations did not lead to an agreement.

As Florida’s CFO, Ingoglia will be responsible for managing the state’s finances and overseeing banking and insurance regulations. The position has become particularly important given Florida’s recent challenges with rising property and car insurance costs. Ingoglia has previously supported DeSantis’s efforts to reduce property taxes.

The appointment follows a pattern of DeSantis choosing his allies over Trump-backed candidates, similar to his previous appointment of Ashley Moody to the Senate despite Trump’s preference for his daughter-in-law, Lara Trump. The showdown between Ingoglia and Gruters will culminate in an August 2026 primary, potentially setting up another test of influence between Trump and DeSantis in Florida politics.