A Nation at a Crossroads: The Last Six Months in U.S. and Florida Politics
- Rise
- Jul 31
- 6 min read
Updated: Aug 1
Budget delays, immigration enforcement, and federal controversies highlight a turbulent summer in state and national politics.
By Talya Davis, Zaire Floyd, Yerimiah Evans
Tallahassee, FL — From intensifying immigration enforcement and controversial legislation to sweeping education and healthcare funding changes, the country is experiencing a significant ideological shift. May to July 2025 has seen significant political drama shaping both state and national landscapes.
The past six months have marked a turbulent era in American politics, with Florida often at the center of the national spotlight. Policies passed under President Donald Trump’s administration, with strong support from allies like Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, are drawing sharp criticism and fervent praise.
The political landscape is being reshaped, particularly around immigration enforcement, student aid, healthcare access, and public broadcasting. Together, these events reveal a larger agenda aimed at redefining the scope and role of the federal government.
What began as widespread tension over the practices of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has evolved into a broader wave of public concern as recent legislation reshapes education, healthcare, and federal aid.
What is ICE?
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, better known as ICE, is a federal agency under the Department of Homeland Security that enforces immigration laws in the U.S. The agency investigates immigration-related crimes, completes deportation operations, and arrests undocumented immigrants, among other things.
This federal agency has been the subject of growing scrutiny, particularly as enforcement actions have escalated in recent years.
Why Is There So Much Tension?
Disagreements over the agency’s roles within the United States have existed for years; however, due to immigration policies being more strictly enforced, there has been a significant outcry against its existence as a whole. Various concerns are centered around legal and human rights for adults and minors.
According to the Flores agreement established in 1997, unaccompanied minors are required to be placed in licensed, child-appropriate shelters within 72 hours. However, in many recent cases, children have been housed in adult facilities with little privacy and access to basic hygiene. Adults encounter issues of the same degree. Communications between individuals detained by ICE and their family members have lacked transparency, leaving relatives in the dark about their loved ones' whereabouts. The presence of due process involving these cases has also been questioned as violations have become more frequent. Concerns about the mental and physical status of these individuals have increased as well.
As tensions around immigration enforcement continued to mount, the broader political climate in Florida began to shift, with new candidates stepping forward to challenge the status quo.
New Candidates
Former democratic leader in the Florida Senate, now NPA, Senator Jason Pizzo threw his hat into the gubernatorial race on May 9. “We need somebody who can balance a checkbook, who understands finance, not just economic theory; who's concerned about infrastructure and resiliency and the environment and education and all of these things that are top of mind for people that are just trying to keep a roof over their head, keep their kids clothed and educated," Pizzo said.
Senator Pizzo faced significant controversy this year, particularly with his declaration that the Florida Democratic Party was “dead,” a claim that was later rejected by Florida Democrats.
A second gubernatorial announcement, this time from David Jolly, on June 5. Jolly is a former lawmaker from Pinellas County who was originally a member of the GOP, switched to NPA, and then turned Democrat. Jolly intends to address many democrat leaning issues, such as “engage Florida’s voters, promote voter registration, … talk about issues like affordability, property insurance costs, … reinvesting in public education, and we’ll tackle ending gun violence and so many other priorities for Florida voters,” Jolly Said.
Non-partisan coalition building is a focal point of his campaign. "In a Republican super-state where Republicans will outraise and outspend us two to one, the only way to win an election is to build a true coalition of change,” Jolly said. “Show that we can build trust and build coalitions, to listen to each other, and actually realize that maybe we should put change ahead of our partisan affiliation.”
Public Outcry
Public disapproval has been on the rise since these actions took place. On June 14, 2025, one of the largest single-day protests was held in opposition to Donald Trump’s presidency. Millions gathered worldwide, voicing their grievances against the administration with a heavy focus on immigration policy in the United States.
Organizations like the ACLU and Human Rights Watch have outwardly condemned the enforcement methods of ICE, while some states have even limited cooperation with the agency. While public resistance gained momentum nationwide, some states responded by doubling down on their support for immigration enforcement.
Continued Support in Some States
Despite loud objections, some states like Florida have expressed great support for the crackdown on immigration. On July 1, 2025, President Trump and Governor Ron DeSantis toured the newly constructed Alligator Alcatraz, an immigrant detention facility in the Everglades. The introduction of this site has received mixed reactions, some excited for its arrival while others point out its violations of environmental protection laws, Tribal sovereignty, and certain constitutional rights.
The same month, attention turned from detention centers to dramatic overhauls in federal funding for education and healthcare.
H.R.1: Major Changes to Student Aid and Medicaid
H.R.1, signed on July 4, introduces new limits on Pell Grant eligibility. Starting in 2026, students with a Student Aid Index above twice the maximum Pell Grant amount will no longer qualify, and full-time enrollment is redefined as 15 credits, an increase from the original amount of 12. These changes threaten to increase dropout rates and student debt, particularly among low-income and first-generation college students.
The bill also restructures Medicaid through block grants and work requirements, risking the loss of coverage for nearly 1 million Floridians, primarily children, seniors, and disabled individuals. Experts warn this will lead to increased emergency room visits, higher mortality rates, and greater strain on rural healthcare facilities.
As sweeping federal legislation began to reshape access to education and healthcare, changes at the state level followed closely behind; most notably within Florida’s financial leadership.
New CFO
Despite President Trump's Nominations, Governor DeSantis appointed Florida Senator Blaise Ingoglia to the office of CFO on July 21. According to the Florida Phoenix, Trump's CFO pick, Joe Gruters, was in talks for the position before DeSantis appointed long-time supporter Ingoglia.
“You are not going to see anyone fight harder for the taxpayer, the consumer, than I will, and I’m planning on hitting the ground running. I’m going to wake up every day with one goal in mind: to make sure that we continue on this path,” Ingoglia said.
The Chief Financial Officer, or CFO, serves as the state fire marshal, the head of the Florida Department of Financial Services, and as a member of the governor's cabinet. This appointment may not last long, as the position is up for election in 2026 along with the governor. The Gubernatorial and CFO elections will be held on November 3, 2026.
While Florida underwent leadership changes, the federal government continued advancing its agenda, culminating in the passage of another major bill with far-reaching implications.
H.R.4: Deep Cuts to Global Aid and Public Broadcasting
Signed on July 24, H.R.4 rescinds over $8 billion in unspent federal funds, with major cuts to international development and health programs. While some programs like HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis remain protected, family planning and refugee assistance see significant reductions.
The law also ends funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting for 2026 and 2027, threatening local radio and TV stations, especially in rural and tribal areas where public media is a vital source of news, education, and emergency information.
These two landmark bills signal a broader political movement gaining traction in Washington and beyond.
A Unified Ideological Shift
H.R.1 and H.R.4 represent a conservative push to shrink federal aid and enforce stricter eligibility. While supporters praise the bills as fiscally responsible, critics argue they roll back essential safety nets, forcing vulnerable populations to make impossible choices around healthcare, education, and basic needs. As these laws take effect in 2026, their full impact will become clear, potentially shaping lives and political debates for years to come.
Looking Ahead
As the political landscape continues to evolve in Florida and across the United States, recent developments reflect broader questions about leadership, public policy, and the future of government services. From immigration enforcement to financial appointments and education reforms, these changes signal a significant transition. With new candidates entering key races and major legislation beginning to take effect, voters and communities alike will closely watch how these decisions shape daily life. The months leading up to the 2026 elections will be critical in determining the direction of state and national priorities.
Media Contact:
Talya Davis
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