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By Peter Aitken
Politics Weekend Editor
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What's New
Lara Trump, the daughter-in-law of Donald Trump, has withdrawn her name from consideration to replace Florida Senator Marco Rubio in the U.S. Senate once he resigns to undergo confirmation to become the president-elect's secretary of state.
Newsweek reached out by email on Saturday evening to the Trump transition team for comment.
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What to Know
Lara Trump, who is married to Eric Trump, had been touted as the potential replacement for Rubio, whom Donald Trump has tapped to serve as secretary of state in his second administration. She resigned as co-chair of the Republican National Committee (RNC) in anticipation of the move.
On Saturday evening, she announced she will no longer put her name forward, citing her "passion" for public service.
"After an incredible amount of thought, contemplation, and encouragement from so many, I have decided to remove my name from consideration for the United States Senate," Lara Trump said in her statement, posted to X, formerly Twitter.
She added: "I remain incredibly passionate about public service and look forward to serving our country again sometime in the future. In the meantime, I wish Governor DeSantis the best of luck with this appointment."
She also revealed she has a "big announcement" to share in January that has her "excited."
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Why It Matters
Lara Trump quickly emerged as a top choice to replace Rubio, which would make an easy decision for Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who has the power to appoint someone to take the seat through the end of Rubio's term in 2026.
Lara Trump had widespread support to replace Rubio: Florida Senator Rick Scott told NewsNation in November that he believed DeSantis would pick Lara Trump "because he knows she is clearly qualified."
Elon Musk's mother Maye backed Lara Trump as well, calling the Senate "an old man's club" and that the chamber "desperately" needs to bring in "a smart, young, outspoken woman who will reveal their secrets."
However, some labeled her a poster child for "nepotism." One self-described pro-DeSantis account, @CryptidPolitics, wrote that Lara Trump is "totally unqualified and has no business being the FL Senator."
What Happens Next
While it remains unclear if DeSantis had seriously considered Lara Trump to replace Rubio, he will now need another pick anyway. He has until Rubio resigns from his seat, which is likely to happen in January after President-elect Donald Trump takes office and officially names his nominees for the Cabinet.
This is a developing story. More information will be added as it becomes available.
Update, 12/21/24 at 7:18 p.m. ET: This story has been updated with additional information and context.
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