Byron Donalds Removes Trump References From Website
Byron Donalds Removes Trump References From Website
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Key Points
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The Donalds campaign rejected the significance of the website changes, labeling reports “FAKE NEWS” and accusing David Jolly of offering “all MSNBC talking points and zero substance.”
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A Donalds campaign source told The Hill that Trump is still “all over the website” and that his endorsement “is worth its weight in gold,” despite its less prominent placement.
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The White House did not directly address the website changes, but spokesman Davis Ingle defended Trump’s standing within the party, calling him “the unequivocal leader, best messenger, and unmatched motivator for the Republican Party.”
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The St. Pete Polls survey was conducted Sept. 15–17 among 913 likely voters selected from Florida’s registered-voter files through automated phone calls and text messages.
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The Hill reported that Trump’s approval rating had fallen to 35% in an Economist/YouGov poll released the same week, adding to the political pressure on Republicans in competitive 2026 races.
Florida Republican Byron Donalds has quietly redesigned his campaign website to downplay President Donald Trump's endorsement, removing a prominent "Trump-endorsed" fundraising banner, photos with Trump, and the slogan "Enact the Trump Agenda." CBS12 reported the changes come with six weeks left before the election, as Donalds battles Democrat David Jolly in a race that has tightened significantly.
A St. Pete Polls survey showed Donalds ahead just 44% to 43%, within the margin of error. The Hill reported that Trump's approval rating had dropped to 35%, adding pressure on Republicans in competitive races. Despite the website overhaul, The Hill cited a Donalds campaign source insisting Trump's endorsement "is worth its weight in gold" and remains "all over the website."
Why Trump's Visibility Suddenly Matters Less
Trump's approval rating has become a liability for Republicans in tight races. The Hill reported the rating fell to just 35% in an Economist/YouGov poll, making the president's association a double-edged sword for candidates trying to win independents and moderates. Donalds still needs Trump's base voters but cannot afford to alienate swing voters who view Trump unfavorably.
Sabato's Crystal Ball shifted the Florida governor's race from "likely Republican" to "lean Republican," signaling genuine uncertainty. The tightening contest forced Donalds to recalibrate his strategy. His redesigned website now emphasizes affordability, insurance costs, and government transparency instead of Trump's political brand.
The Campaign's Aggressive Defense of the Changes
The Donalds campaign flatly rejected reporting about the website redesign, labeling it "FAKE NEWS." The campaign accused Democrat David Jolly of offering "all MSNBC talking points and zero substance," using Trump's signature style of dismissing unfavorable coverage. This aggressive posture signals the campaign wants no daylight between itself and Trump's base.
Yet The Hill obtained comments from a Donalds campaign source contradicting the denial, admitting Trump's endorsement "is worth its weight in gold." The mixed messaging—publicly denying the changes while privately acknowledging Trump's ongoing value—reveals the delicate political calculus at play.
White House Doubles Down on Trump's Party Leadership
The White House did not directly address Donalds' website redesign but used the moment to reinforce Trump's dominance. Spokesman Davis Ingle called Trump "the unequivocal leader, best messenger, and unmatched motivator for the Republican Party," signaling that stepping back from Trump carries risks with the party base.
This creates a dilemma for vulnerable Republicans: Trump remains essential for energizing the base, yet his low approval ratings alienate swing voters. Donalds' website changes attempt to thread this needle by maintaining Trump's endorsement on the site while burying it in a rotating list with other conservative figures.
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