Trump Jr. Issues Warning To Southern University

Conservatives Push Back as UF Trustees Back Santa Ono Despite DEI Ties

Donald Trump Jr. is urging the University of Florida’s Board of Governors to reject the appointment of Dr. Santa Ono, warning that the controversial former University of Michigan president brings a radical, woke agenda that threatens Florida’s academic integrity.

In a fiery post on X, Trump Jr. didn’t hold back.

“What on earth are the folks at @UF thinking?” he posted. “This radical leftist might be right at home leading some far-left university in California, but he has no business running a school in Florida. Every single member of the Florida Board of Governors needs to reject this immediately!”

The DEI Controversy: Conservatives Sound the Alarm

Santa Ono’s history of promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs has sparked fierce backlash from parents, alumni, and elected officials who view DEI as a gateway to left-wing indoctrination in public education. The DEI movement, now under scrutiny across the country, has been a key target of the Trump administration’s fight to restore fairness and merit in education.

Though Ono has attempted to walk back his past support, critics aren’t buying it.

In a recent op-ed, Ono wrote that while he once supported the “original intent” of DEI — fairness and opportunity — he later saw it morph into “ideology, division and bureaucracy.”

Florida Leaders Call It Political Convenience

Rep. Greg Steube (R-FL) called the appointment “a grave mistake,” warning that Ono’s sudden shift away from DEI seems more like a political calculation than a sincere change of heart.

“Dr. Ono made a last-minute attempt to distance himself from his woke record, saying he’s changed — but I’m not convinced,” Steube posted on X. “This position is far too critical to risk on a sudden shift that looks more political than genuine.”

Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL), a leading voice in Florida’s conservative movement, echoed those concerns. Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL), former governor, also voiced opposition, emphasizing the need for education grounded in excellence, not ideology.

DeSantis Silent — But His Allies Are Involved

Gov. Ron DeSantis has stayed largely silent on the controversy. Earlier this month, he said he trusted the university’s decision-makers, many of whom he appointed.

“These are trustees I personally appointed, and they’ve done an outstanding job serving the state of Florida,” DeSantis said.

One of those trustees, Mori Hosseini — the Board Chair and a known DeSantis ally — defended the choice, saying Ono would champion merit-based education.

“Dr. Santa Ono is exactly the kind of leader the University of Florida needs right now,” Hosseini stated, expressing confidence that Ono will reflect the state’s principles and help UF rise even further on the national stage.

Why It Matters for Florida’s Future

The University of Florida isn’t just any school — it’s the flagship institution of a state that’s become a national symbol of freedom, merit, and common-sense leadership under President Donald Trump’s America First agenda.

The push to install Ono, despite his controversial past, has many asking whether Florida’s universities are still aligned with the state’s core values.

Final Thought: Conservatives across Florida are standing firm — the fight against woke politics in education isn’t over. The Board of Governors now faces a pivotal choice: protect Florida’s future or cave to politically convenient appeasement.