Trump Criticizes Rep. Salazar Amid Election Tensions

President Trump has expressed frustration with Florida House Republican Maria Salazar by sharing 13 posts critical of her on his Truth Social platform. These posts included calls for her to be replaced by another Republican in the primary elections.

Salazar had released a campaign advertisement near the White House, stating, “Mr. President, some of your immigration enforcement efforts have gone too far.” Trump’s response came even as polls between Salazar and Democratic challenger Eliott Rodriguez showed a tightening race in Florida’s 27th congressional district. If the Democrats win control of the House, Trump’s legislative efforts could face substantial challenges in his final two years in office.

On Saturday, Trump highlighted a Washington Post article that discussed Salazar’s criticism. It quoted various local Republicans in Florida who disapproved of her actions, alongside a former GOP strategist who claimed it had backfired.

Trump’s Truth Social account shared posts that labeled Salazar a “back stabber” and encouraged her primary replacement. One anonymous user suggested finding a “NEW Republican to Replace Salazar,” while another advised, “Primary her in two years.”

Salazar’s Immigration Criticism

The situation arose after Salazar, a daughter of Cuban exiles, launched a campaign ad on September 17. In the video, she stated, “Mr. President, some of your immigration enforcement efforts have gone too far. In July, 50 percent of the 50,000 people that were detained had no criminal record. Be careful what your advisers are telling you about immigration policy.

“You can be for immigration what Lincoln was for slavery and Reagan was for communism. I’m not talking about giving them amnesty. I’m talking about giving them a dignified life in this promised land.” She reiterated this sentiment during an appearance on CBS News’ Face The Nation.

Salazar’s Election Odds

The likelihood of Salazar defeating Rodriguez has decreased considerably, according to Polymarket and Kalshi, two major online financial exchanges. On September 1, Polymarket placed her odds at 82 percent, but they declined to 64 percent by Sunday. Rodriguez’s odds rose from 16 percent to 37 percent.

Similarly, Kalshi estimates Salazar’s victory dropped from 78 percent to 64 percent, while Rodriguez’s chances went up from 22 percent to 37 percent.

A poll conducted by Tulchin Research for the Democratic-supporting House Majority PAC showed Salazar leading by one percentage point. She had 47 percent against Rodriguez’s 46 percent. Another poll by Bendixen & Amandi International, commissioned by the Rodriguez campaign, showed both candidates at 45 percent.

Salazar retained her position as the GOP candidate in August for Florida’s 27th congressional district. Trump cannot replace her on the ballot with another Republican. If Salazar runs again in 2028, Trump might back a different candidate in a primary election.

The editors at Newsweek, Ben Kelly and Cristina Diciu, have been contacted regarding this story.