A push by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis to crack down on ballot initiatives could have unforeseen consequences for the business interests of his state’s most prominent resident: President Donald Trump.

It’s a staggering turn of events for a governor used to getting his own way — and a test of his national staying power as he stares down the end of his term in two years.

Seven Democratic senators voted to confirm South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem (R) as the head of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), allowing her to lead an agency that will be paramount to President Trump’s plan to crack down on illegal immigration during his second White House term. Noem’s nomination was approved with a 59-34…

The Florida impact starts with immigration. In the first 24 hours of his presidency, Trump announced a national emergency at the southern border, suspended refugee resettlement and terminated a humanitarian parole program that had offered a legal pathway to entry for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans and Venezuelans.

A body of anti-Trump students and civilians marched at FSU in protest of Trump, ongoing conflict and discriminatory policies on Jan. 14, 2025.

There are often enticing little subplots and sidebar stories when the Florida Legislature meets, and the special session Gov. Ron DeSantis called for beginning Monday has two intriguing side bets that you won’t find on the printed calendars of the House or Senate.

Florida’s GOP leadership will roll deep in Washington D.C. on Monday. State lawmakers will be participating in President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration events just days before convening in Tallahassee for a special session, planned to support Trump’s immigration policies he aims to enact on day one.

President Trump is planning on implementing many policies that have roots at the Florida Capitol, and it’s happening very quickly.

President-elect Donald Trump is weighing in on the debate regarding a Special Session called by Gov. Ron DeSantis, slated to start on Jan. 27. “Thank you Ron, hopefully other Governors will follow,” Trump posted to Truth Social as he backed the call.

Shortly after taking his oath, President Trump began enacting a series of executive orders, including initial steps for his mass migrant deportation program.

President-elect Donald Trump is backing Gov. Ron DeSantis’ decision to call state lawmakers back to Tallahassee later this month for a special session to ensure state and local law enforcement officials are helping enforce Trump’s immigration agenda.

Florida’s GOP leadership ... will be participating in President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration events just days before convening in Tallahassee for a special session, planned to support ...