Trump Rallies Florida Republicans at FGCU Arena Ahead of Nov. 3 Midterms

President Donald Trump is set to headline a midterm rally Friday at Florida Gulf Coast University’s Alico Arena in Fort Myers, where he will stump for Republican candidates including gubernatorial hopeful Byron Donalds ahead of the Nov. 3 election.

Donalds, a congressman from Naples, faces Democrat David Jolly in a governor’s race that has tightened through the campaign season, according to the Fort Myers News-Press. Trump was an early backer of Donalds’ bid, publicly urging him to run before Donalds announced his candidacy.

Trump is expected to speak at about 2 p.m. Doors open at 10:30 a.m. at the 4,633-seat arena, which includes 300 standing-only spots.

Scheduled speakers include Republican National Committee Chair Joe Gruters, Donalds, Sens. Ashley Moody and Rick Scott, state Attorney General James Uthmeier, Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson, Rep. Greg Steube and congressional candidate Jim Schwartzel, according to a run of show obtained by Politico and cited by the News-Press.

On Thursday evening, Trump posted “SWAMP THE VOTE USA” on X, directing Florida voters to a campaign site. The post drew more than 1 million views, the News-Press reported. His message carried a full slate of Florida endorsements: Moody for U.S. Senate, Donalds for governor, Uthmeier for attorney general, Simpson for agriculture commissioner, Schwartzel for House District 19 and Steube for House District 17. “These Great Patriots have my Complete and Total Endorsement. They will never let you down!” Trump wrote.

Schwartzel, whose company owns and operates local TV and radio stations, is seeking Donalds’ House seat against Democrat Victor Arias. Trump endorsed Catalina Lauf in the August primary instead, but Schwartzel won a crowded Republican field.

Protests and campus debate

The visit drew divided reactions on the FGCU campus, with some students eager to see a sitting president in person and others criticizing the university’s decision to host a political rally weeks before Election Day, the News-Press reported. Students raised concerns about free expression, disruption and press access.

Outside the arena, protesters gathered near the Cohen Center, including retired attorney Tom Chase, 72, who held a sign reading “Who would Jesus deport?” “I’m hoping just one person sees this sign,” Chase said. “Maybe just one person changes their mind.”

Supporters arrived early as well. Blake Montgomery of Stuart drove a MAGA-painted RV to the rally.

Travel disruptions expected

The Federal Aviation Administration issued temporary airspace restrictions from 12:15 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. around Southwest Florida International Airport for Trump’s expected arrival on Air Force One. The airport recommends travelers arrive early for flights between noon and 5 p.m.

Airport spokesperson Victoria Moreland said drivers should use Terminal Access Road, as there will be intermittent road closures on Chamberlin Parkway and Air Cargo Lane. The airport’s aircraft viewing area will be closed.

Reporting based on coverage by the Fort Myers News-Press.