TALLAHASSEE, Florida — President Donald Trump on Wednesday endorsed James Uthmeier for Florida attorney general, ending months of speculation about whether the president would support a close ally of Gov. Ron DeSantis.
In a Truth Social post, Trump praised Uthmeier for being the “man behind Alligator Alcatraz,” the immigration detention center that opened this summer in the middle of the Everglades. Trump further called him a “true champion for MAGA.”
Uthmeier had been campaign manager for DeSantis’ presidential campaign. In the heat of that battle, he sharply criticized Trump. DeSantis appointed Uthmeier to the post of attorney general in February after he named Ashley Moody to the U.S. Senate seat previously held by Marco Rubio.
“James Uthmeier is a Strong Conservative Fighter and Prosecutor, and has my Complete and Total Endorsement,” Trump wrote.
In recent weeks, Uthmeier was also involved in the deal to transfer prime downtown Miami real estate from the state to the foundation that will build Trump’s presidential library.
The president’s decision to back Uthmeier could decrease the chance of a full-blown Trump-DeSantis proxy battle in the 2026 elections. Trump has endorsed Rep. Byron Donalds for governor, but DeSantis has declined to support Donalds so far. There have been signals that Lt. Gov. Jay Collins may jump into the Republican primary against Donalds.
Uthmeier did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
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