Florida Representative Matt Gaetz, donning a distinctive white and gold “Caucus Captain” hat, exuded enthusiasm as he expressed his admiration for the unique charm of the Iowa caucuses. Georgia Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene was in high spirits, engaging in conversation with a conservative media host. Texas Representative Ronny Jackson was seen socializing with guests at the Iowa Events Center. All were in anticipation of Donald Trump’s victory speech on Monday night, a moment of triumph for the former president’s earliest supporters who stood by him during the most challenging times of his political career.
These individuals are part of a prominent group of lawmakers and conservative figures who have acted as Trump’s surrogates, relentlessly challenging his opponents, campaigning on his behalf while Trump navigates legal battles, and advocating for the party’s unity around the former president. Among them are Arizona Senate candidate Kari Lake and Florida Representative Byron Donalds, both of whom have actively campaigned for Trump in early primary states. Their presence often diverts attention from figures like Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, while also serving as Trump’s most aggressive defenders.
Two former Republican presidential candidates have also joined Trump in the early primary states almost immediately after ending their own campaigns. Entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, after ending his campaign on Monday night, promptly endorsed Trump and joined him on the campaign trail in New Hampshire the following day. Similarly, North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, after withdrawing from the race in December, endorsed Trump and accompanied him in Iowa and New Hampshire.
For many of these surrogates, the opportunity to demonstrate their loyalty to the former president and showcase their influence could be a potential audition for a role in Trump’s future administration, should he be reelected. Trump has indicated that he will be more discerning in selecting potential administration officials this time, focusing on those who remained loyal to him and his ideology.
Speculation has been rife about potential running mates for Trump, with names like South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem and Ramaswamy being mentioned. Trump himself has also suggested the possibility of Burgum being part of his future administration cabinet.
Endorsements for the former president were initially scarce after he announced his third presidential bid in November 2022, but as his popularity has grown throughout the primary cycle, Trump has seen an increasing number of endorsements from former rivals, lawmakers, and governors. The Trump campaign has also relied heavily on his surrogates to help secure additional endorsements.
Trump’s surrogates have been instrumental in reinforcing his argument that the party is uniting behind him. Some of Trump’s more outspoken supporters have gone out of their way to stir the pot on his behalf. In Keokuk, Iowa, earlier this month, Greene criticized the rest of the GOP field as imitations of Trump, stating, “He has a four-year proven track record and everyone else is copying his policies. We don’t need to go back to the Bush era; we’re tired of establishment Republicans.”
Despite the prevailing belief that surrogates and endorsements aren’t as influential as they once were, firebrands like Greene or Ramaswamy are a different story. They bring their own personality or something akin to Trump’s to the campaign trail. A Republican strategist and pollster, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, “Any surrogate that he has is merely carrying his aura, presence, and persona magnified through them. It’s just people who’s creating a mirror effect of his own messaging.”