Steve Cortes, who previously worked as a spokesperson for Ron DeSantis’s Never Back Down Super PAC and served as an advisor for Donald Trump’s 2016 and 2020 campaigns, has made a significant shift in his political stance. After initially distancing himself from Trump due to what he described as Trump’s harsh treatment of former staffers, Cortes has now publicly declared his support for Trump in the upcoming 2024 presidential election.
In a recent op-ed titled “Only Trump Can Save America” for RealClearPolitics, Cortes candidly expressed his change of heart. He admitted that he initially believed the Republican voter base was ready to move beyond Trump, embracing a new chapter of the America First movement with DeSantis at the helm. However, witnessing Trump’s commanding performance in the Iowa caucus, Cortes has reassessed his position.
Cortes praised Trump’s sweeping victory in Iowa, where he effortlessly narrowed the field of candidates before securing a dominant win. This success, coupled with Trump’s strong polling in other states, convinced Cortes of Trump’s unmatched potential to lead the GOP and the nation.
Emphasizing the need for unity within the Republican Party, Cortes urged fellow Republicans and former DeSantis supporters to acknowledge Trump’s evident grassroots support. He called for a collective effort to rally behind Trump, describing him as the figurehead in the fight against the ruling elite and their perceived threats to American values.
In his article, Cortes passionately appealed to the patriotic populist base, committing himself to actively support Trump’s cause as he did in previous elections. His call to action reflects a broader sentiment within certain segments of the Republican Party, highlighting the enduring influence and appeal of Trump’s political brand.
Cortes’ switch from a DeSantis advocate to a Trump supporter signifies not only a personal political transformation but also underscores the dynamic and often unpredictable nature of political allegiances within the current American political landscape.
