Florida Republican gubernatorial nominee Byron Donalds has quietly revamped his campaign website, dialing back the visual prominence of President Trump's endorsement even as he continues to court the president's base. The shift comes as national polling shows Trump's approval sliding and as Republican candidates in key races begin to recalibrate their messaging.
On the previous version of Donalds's site, a banner across the top urged visitors to “Chip in to Support Trump Endorsed Byron Donalds,” with the words “TRUMP-ENDORSED” emblazoned beneath it. Scrolling further revealed another endorsement highlight featuring a photo of the president. The new layout, however, tucks Trump's endorsement into a box alongside those from Elon Musk, Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), and Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.).
A campaign source told The Hill that Trump remains “all over the website” and that his endorsement “is worth its weight in gold, and we are grateful to have it.” Still, the change is notable for a candidate who has positioned himself as one of Trump's closest allies in the state.
The site's policy agenda also underwent a subtle but telling shift. The top issue is now “affordability,” replacing the previous banner priority, “Enact the Trump Agenda.” This reframing aligns with Donalds's stated focus on Florida-specific concerns such as insurance costs and government transparency.
“Our campaign website reflects Byron's focus on the issues that matter most to Floridians — affordability, insurance costs, and government transparency,” a Donalds spokesperson said. “He's running to be the next Governor of Florida, is proud to have President Trump's endorsement, and has real policy proposals to tackle those issues.”
The adjustment arrives as Republicans brace for a potentially difficult election cycle. Trump's approval rating has fallen to 35 percent in a recent Economist/YouGov poll, and rising energy costs tied to the Iran conflict are weighing on voters. Republican Senate candidates in Iowa and Michigan have already voiced concerns about the economic fallout from the war, with Rep. Ashley Hinson blaming it for higher energy prices and former Rep. Mike Rogers saying Michigan families “can't afford to wait” for the conflict to end.
Gasoline prices now average $4.47 per gallon, according to AAA, driven largely by Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil shipping lane. The White House, however, maintains that Trump remains an asset. “President Trump is the unequivocal leader, best messenger, and unmatched motivator for the Republican Party,” said White House spokesperson Davis Ingle.
Donalds's move may reflect a broader trend among Republicans who are seeking to balance loyalty to Trump with the need to address pocketbook issues that dominate voters' concerns. As diesel prices soar and the Iran war remains unpopular, candidates are increasingly wary of being tied too tightly to the president's brand.
Still, Donalds's campaign insists the president remains central to his appeal. The question is whether the subtle rebranding will help or hurt him in a primary that is still months away.
