Florida Rep. Byron Donalds Endorses Trump for ‘Historic’ 2024 Election

Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.) speaks while walking through the Canon Tunnel to the U.S. Capitol in Washington, on Jan. 12, 2021. Stefani Reynolds/Getty Images

Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.) has endorsed Donald Trump for president in 2024, declaring him the only leader who can get America “back on track” as it struggles with soaring inflation, a growing border crisis, and an “injustice system.”

In a lengthy statement issued on April 6, Donalds said the 2024 presidential race is “uniquely important” and marks an inflection point in both U.S. and world history.

He then urged voters to choose a leader who is “best equipped to lead our country and stand in the breach, putting themselves on the line, with a willingness to sacrifice everything to save our Republic.”

“Look around right now. Our economy is a mess. Inflation is making life unaffordable for our families. Our borders have become completely insecure. Our justice system has become an injustice system. Foreign leaders test our mettle and are pushing us toward the brink of World War III. Far too many Americans have simply given up hope, and even lost their faith,” the Florida lawmaker wrote.

“I refuse to accept this as our future. This is America, the greatest nation man has ever known. At the toughest moments in our history, leaders have stepped forward and seized the moment. Not just anyone, but truly transformational figures, with the resolve and determination to rise above the chaos and inspire a generation of Americans to follow their lead against seemingly insurmountable obstacles,” he added.

“There is only one leader at this time in our nation’s history who can seize this moment and deliver what we need - to get us back on track, provide strength and resolve, and Make America Great Again,” the Republican said, adding that he is “honored” to endorse Trump.

Donalds is the latest Florida lawmaker to endorse Trump for president in 2024, with the former president also securing endorsements from Reps. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) and Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.).

Trump Pleads Not Guilty in Bragg Case

Additionally, Trump, who announced in November that he would make a third run for president, has received endorsements from fellow Republican Reps. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) and Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.).

Trump will likely face Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis in the election race, although the governor has not yet announced any candidacy.

Both DeSantis and Trump appear to lead in a number of 2024 polls.

Despite not yet officially joining the race, DeSantis, who has served as governor of the Sunshine State since 2019, has already received two House GOP endorsements from Reps. Chip Roy (R-Texas.) and Thomas Massie (R-Ky.).

Speaking in an interview with Fox News late last month, the Florida governor touted his ability to beat President Joe Biden if they were both to enter the presidential race, adding that ultimately, both he and Trump are vying for a Republican win.

“If I were to run, I’m running against Biden,” DeSantis said. “Like we [him and Trump] are competing for the Republican, potentially, I get that, but ultimately you know the guy I’m gonna focus on is Biden because I think he’s failed the country. I think the country wants a change. I think they want a fresh start and a new direction and so we’ll be very vocal about that.”

Donalds’s endorsement of Trump comes shortly after the former president pleaded not guilty to 34 counts of falsifying business records as part of Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s investigation into allegations that he orchestrated alleged hush-money payments to adult entertainment actress Stormy Daniels during his 2016 campaign.

Trump has maintained his innocence and called Bragg’s case against him “massive election interference at a scale never seen before in our country.”