People all over the country and the world were shocked when President Trump said that the US had attacked three Iranian nuclear sites. The reaction was especially strong in Florida, where Trump has deep ties.
Trump wrote on social media on Saturday night that the U.S. had attacked important Iranian nuclear sites in Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan. In a speech from the White House later that night, he told the country that the strikes were a “spectacular military success” and warned that “far greater” attacks could happen if Iran does not seek peace.
The next morning, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chair Gen. Dan Caine and other Pentagon leaders gave more information about the operation, which they called “Operation Midnight Hammer.” They said it was the “largest operational B-2 strike in U.S. history” and that the strikes caused “extremely severe damage and destruction” to the places they hit.
Law officers and lawmakers all over Florida have spoken out about their reactions, either supporting or criticizing Trump’s actions. This shows how deeply divided the state’s politics are.
Florida police are stepping up patrols and security.
After the strikes, Florida police have increased patrols and protection. Police and sheriff’s offices in South Florida, which has one of the largest Jewish communities in the U.S., are on high alert and asking people to report any strange behavior. To make sure the safety of their Jewish communities, police in towns like Hallandale Beach, North Miami, Sunny Isles Beach, and Miami Beach have made it clear that more officers will be stationed at synagogues, schools, and other important locations.
Florida lawmakers respond to Trump’s choice
Florida’s government leaders have responded quickly, and people from different parties have different thoughts on what to do.
After being a senator from Florida, Marco Rubio is now the Secretary of State of the United States. On Sunday morning, he was on Face the Nation. He said that the U.S. was ready to talk to Iran again after the strike, but he also said that forcing Iran to close the Strait of Hormuz would be “suicidal” for their government. Rubio made it clear that the operation’s goal was not to attack Iran or its people, but to weaken Iran’s nuclear powers.
“What Iran does will determine what happens next,” Rubio said. “We’re ready to talk if they choose peace.” But if they go a different way, bad things will happen.
Governor Ron DeSantis went on X to back Trump’s choice and praise the strike for lowering Iran’s nuclear goals. The tweet from DeSantis said, “Thanks to Operation Midnight Hammer, those nuclear dreams are now nothing more than a far-off fantasy.” He also told people in Florida that efforts to bring back U.S. citizens from Israel would go on, no matter what Iran did next.
Representative Maria Elvira Salazar of the United States also spoke out in support, thanking Trump for “leading with strength and clarity” during the operation. She wrote, “Iran must never be allowed to get nuclear weapons,” and she prayed for the safety of U.S. troops.
Democrats in Florida condemn what happened.
Republicans have been very against the strikes, while Democrats in Florida have sharply opposed them. Trump’s actions were condemned by Nikki Fried, Chair of the Florida Democratic Party. She said that the party’s annual meeting was filled with “shock and fear.” She said that the president was acting in a “lawless” way and that his choice to keep Democratic leaders out of the process was an example of him using politics to get what he wanted. Fried said, “Donald Trump is not the leader we need right now.” He also said that the subject should be brought to Congress right away, as the Constitution requires.
Representative Jared Moskowitz of the United States also spoke out about it. He agreed that Iran shouldn’t be able to make nuclear bombs, but he stressed how important it was for Congress to approve military action. “Any offensive action must come to Congress for a vote,” Moskowitz said on X, calling for both parties to work together to solve the problem.
Floridians are very divided over the strikes. Some praise Trump for taking decisive action, while others criticize him for not following the political process. As things go on, it’s clear that the political split in Florida will stay at the top of the national conversation.
