In a move that’s raising eyebrows and energising both allies and critics, Donald Trump has endorsed Florida Senator Joe Gruters—an outspoken supporter of marijuana legalisation—to chair the Republican National Committee. The announcement marks another significant shake-up within the GOP as it heads toward the 2026 midterms.
The endorsement, posted on Trump’s Truth Social account late last Thursday, also included support for current RNC Chair Michael Whatley’s run for the U.S. Senate in North Carolina. But it was the nod to Gruters that sparked the most chatter, largely due to his stance on cannabis reform—still a divisive topic within Republican ranks.
A Shift in Tone From the GOP’s Upper Ranks
Trump’s blessing for Gruters isn’t just about loyalty or experience—it signals a potential pivot on cannabis policy at the national level. Historically, the Republican Party has taken a firm stance against legalising marijuana. But Gruters, a longtime advocate for regulated legalisation, brings a different flavour to the leadership table.
He led the Florida GOP between 2019 and 2021 and backed state-level reforms aimed at decriminalising small-scale possession. That history makes him something of an anomaly in a party where old-guard conservatives still carry influence. Gruters hasn’t shied away from controversy, once saying in a state hearing: “Criminalising cannabis is costing us more than just money—it’s costing us votes.”
It’s an unusual alliance, but not entirely surprising. Trump’s base leans libertarian in parts, particularly among younger voters and veterans, both groups that increasingly support marijuana reform.
Trump’s Calculated Play—or a Distraction?
There’s no denying Trump knows how to grab headlines. Endorsing a pro-legalisation Republican may seem counterintuitive, but politically, it could be strategic.
Why? Because cannabis is popular. A 2024 Pew Research survey found that 88% of Americans support some form of marijuana legalisation. Even among Republicans, support has grown to 55%—a notable jump from just 39% five years ago. For a party needing broader youth appeal, cannabis might be the unlikely bridge.
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55% of Republicans now support legalisation in some form
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71% of independents support recreational cannabis
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Only 11% of Americans oppose all forms of marijuana use
Trump may see Gruters as a way to rebrand the GOP without alienating its core. Plus, Gruters has proven effective in swing state politics, especially with disaffected moderates and suburban voters.
What Gruters Actually Believes About Cannabis
Gruters’ position on marijuana isn’t radical—but it is reformist. He supports a tightly regulated legal market, especially for medicinal use, and has pushed for sentencing reform for minor drug offences.
He’s previously co-sponsored legislation to expand Florida’s medical marijuana programme and remove criminal penalties for small possession amounts. Yet he maintains a tough-on-crime stance when it comes to illegal trafficking.
“People shouldn’t be losing their livelihoods or freedom over a joint,” Gruters told The Miami Herald in 2023. “But that doesn’t mean we open the floodgates either.”
In some ways, his policy looks a lot like the middle ground many Americans are searching for—pragmatic, not permissive.
Internal Party Reactions Are Mixed
The reaction inside the Republican Party has been anything but unanimous. Some figures have privately questioned the wisdom of Gruters’ appointment, particularly in more conservative strongholds like Alabama, Idaho, and Mississippi. Others, however, say the party needs this refresh.
There’s also the elephant in the room: Ronna McDaniel’s sudden departure from RNC leadership earlier this year left a vacuum—and a fight for control. Gruters has powerful backers in Florida and now Trump, but other factions in the GOP have their own candidates.
Still, insiders suggest Trump’s endorsement will carry heavy weight with the RNC’s voting body.
“It’s Trump’s party,” said one senior GOP strategist. “If he wants Gruters, he probably gets Gruters.”
A Potential Redefining Moment for the RNC
This isn’t just about cannabis or Gruters—it could set the tone for what the Republican Party becomes in the next decade.
A party that’s long been branded as anti-drug and tough-on-crime may be inching towards a more nuanced approach, at least on marijuana. It’s a risk, but potentially a smart one. With Democrats still fractured on cannabis rescheduling and federal reform, Republicans might find space to recast themselves as practical reformers.
Here’s a quick comparison of GOP leadership trends pre- and post-Trump:
| Leadership Traits | Pre-Trump GOP | Trump-Era GOP |
|---|---|---|
| Drug Policy | Strict prohibition | Mixed, reformist |
| Electoral Strategy | Suburban focus | Populist appeal |
| Media Strategy | Traditional press | Social media-first |
| Party Unity | Hierarchical | Personality-driven |
Eyes Now on the Senate, and the States
Gruters’ candidacy isn’t the only political ball in motion. With Michael Whatley stepping away to focus on his Senate bid in North Carolina, the RNC chair role has new urgency.
Meanwhile, marijuana legalisation is heating up as a campaign issue in key battlegrounds: Arizona, Nevada, Pennsylvania. All states where public support for reform is high—and voter turnout could hinge on how parties frame the debate.
