Florida State Sen. Joe Gruters (R), President Donald Trump’s pick to lead the Republican National Committee (RNC), is facing intense backlash from conservatives over his past support for lenient immigration policies and his self-identification as an LGBT ally.
Despite Trump’s full endorsement, many grassroots Republicans say Gruters’ stances clash with core party values, igniting fears the GOP is drifting away from its traditional base.
Gruters currently serves as the treasurer of the RNC and has long-standing ties to Trump’s political machine.
He previously chaired the Florida Republican Party and served as co-chair for Trump’s 2016 campaign in the pivotal state, as noted by Resist the Mainstream.
Trump recently posted on Truth Social that Gruters would do a “wonderful job” as RNC chair and described him as someone who “will never let you down.”
The endorsement emphasized Trump’s support for a familiar and loyal figure within party leadership.
Despite the glowing support from Trump, critics remain vocal. Many conservatives say Gruters’ record does not align with the priorities of the movement.
They argue that his past decisions reveal a tendency to side with big business and political insiders rather than the working-class voters who fueled Trump’s rise.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) has also voiced opposition.
He sharply criticized Gruters’ record at a July 16 press conference, highlighting votes against Second Amendment protections and siding with teacher unions against accountability reforms.
DeSantis called Gruters the author of a “terrible amnesty bill” undermining border security and condemned his push to protect gender ideology under state law.
He also slammed Gruters for opposing a medical marijuana amendment alongside liberal Democrats, saying, “Gruters has taken major positions contrary to what our voter base wants to do. I have to go on the record.”
For many grassroots activists, that vote is a dealbreaker.
They see it as a glaring contradiction to the core of Trump’s immigration platform.
With border security in the spotlight, choosing a figure who has opposed certain immigration enforcement measures has drawn criticism from some conservatives.
Gruters has also drawn fire for his public support of LGBT causes.
He has described himself as “an ally of the LGBT community,” a stance that has sparked outrage among social conservatives within the party who view it as out of step with traditional family values, according to Trending Politics.
Others worry that Gruters represents the very political class they hoped Trump would distance himself from during a potential second term.
Critics argue that instead of bringing in fresh leadership to energize the base, Trump is relying on recycled names who failed to deliver in the past.
Supporters argue that with a challenging election season ahead, Trump may benefit from appointing someone familiar with the party infrastructure and experienced in managing daily operations.
However, the divide within the party remains evident.
Some conservative commentators have voiced concerns on social media, suggesting the choice could impact enthusiasm among Trump’s base.
There is ongoing debate about whether grassroots momentum might weaken if voters feel their perspectives are overlooked in favor of party insiders.
The discussion surrounding Gruters reflects a broader tension in the Republican Party—between those prioritizing loyalty and experience and those emphasizing ideological consistency and activism.
How Trump’s decision will be judged may depend on Gruters’ performance in the coming months.
For now, the conversation over leadership at the RNC highlights existing divisions between the party’s populist base and its traditional establishment.
The post Trump’s RNC Pick Faces Backlash Over Immigration and LGBT Stances appeared first on Resist the Mainstream.
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Author: Gloriel Howard
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