Byron Donalds Campaigns at UF, Supported by Trump and Musk

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (WCJB) – Congressman Byron Donalds, endorsed by President Donald Trump, resumed his campaign for Florida governor on Friday after a stop at the University of Florida on Thursday evening. Donalds spoke at a Turning Point USA event, a conservative organization founded by the late Charlie Kirk.

At the event, held in the Reitz Union, Donalds expressed his dedication to continuing Kirk’s legacy. “Charlie Kirk was a friend, and before his assassination, he and I had planned to do Turning Point events throughout Florida,” Donalds said. “It’s actually a really special and heartfelt night for me.” Attendance was limited, and television cameras were not allowed inside the venue.

In addition to Trump’s endorsement, Donalds announced he has secured the support of Elon Musk. Approximately 180 participants gathered in the Grand Ballroom to engage with Donalds and conservative commentator Benny Johnson. The event featured a security check, with signs reminding attendees that protests were banned inside the campus facility.

Turning Point USA has been influential in shaping conservative discourse on college campuses. Kirk was tragically killed during a debate event in Utah in September. The UF chapter organized the event to honor his contributions.

Kerry Freeman attended the event, driving from Clay County with her daughter, a UF student involved with Turning Point. “My daughter being involved opened my eyes to what it was,” Freeman stated. “To me, it means free speech — conversation, talking about your innermost thoughts and feelings and being okay with it.”

The evening kicked off with a prayer, followed by UF Turning Point President Jennifer Garcia, who noted the event’s overwhelming attendance since February. “Charlie left an enormous impact on this campus and on each and every one of us,” she said.

Before introducing Donalds, Alex Bruesewitz, a media adviser to Trump, shared his memories of Kirk. “He was so passionate about helping the young people of our country,” Bruesewitz emphasized. “He set on a mission, and he delivered on the mission. Not everybody can say that.”

Donald Johnson, known for his comedic approach, joined Donalds on stage, where he criticized both political parties for rising housing costs while championing the Trump administration’s policies. Donalds, in turn, encouraged youth participation in preserving the republic. “You are the ones who are going to save this great republic for another 250 years,” he declared.

The session concluded with a Q&A, covering topics from campus policies to social issues. When questioned about the release of Jeffrey Epstein’s files, Donalds expressed his support but mentioned the need to protect the identities of victims involved.

Celine Jaime, a UF student, expressed her desire for a more diverse range of questions. Jaime, who translates Johnson’s videos for her mother, noted, “I definitely want to continue seeing him in more outspoken political positions.”