The Truth with Lisa Boothe: Rep. Byron Donalds on Florida’s Future – Affordability, Epstein Files, and the Fight for 2026

Podcast: The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show
Host: Lisa Boothe (iHeartPodcasts)
Guest: Rep. Byron Donalds (Trump-endorsed frontrunner for Florida Governor)
Date: November 18, 2025

Episode Overview

In this episode of The Truth with Lisa Boothe, Lisa welcomes Congressman Byron Donalds to discuss pressing issues for Florida and the nation. The conversation focuses on Donalds’ gubernatorial run, critical issues of affordability and cost of living, the pending release of federal Epstein files, generational politics, and the challenges facing the Republican Party as they head into the 2026 elections. The interview is candid, policy-focused, and often sharp in tone, offering insights into both state and national Republican strategy.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Byron Donalds’ Run for Florida Governor

Timestamps: 02:55 – 05:28

• Motivations for Running: Donalds credits Florida’s conservative successes under DeSantis and Scott, but argues for forward-thinking leadership that prepares the state for continued growth.

  • Quote:
    “Now it’s about preparing Florida for its future growth, future economy, while also maintaining the foundational conservative principles that have made us the best state in America.” – Byron Donalds (04:47)

• Background: Donalds highlights his experience in banking, finance, and both state and federal legislatures as assets for leading Florida into its next phase.

2. Affordability and Economic Pressures in Florida

Timestamps: 05:28 – 07:43

• Key Issues Identified: Skyrocketing property insurance premiums, housing shortages, and overall cost of living.
• Relevant Poll: 68% of Floridians cite cost of living as their top concern (07:12).
• Policy Proposals:
  • Support for a proposed homestead property tax elimination.
  • Continuing efforts to lower insurance rates via legal reforms.
  • Permitting and Planning Reforms: Emphasizes the need for "ruthlessly efficient" permitting offices to prevent costly project delays.
  • Quote:
    “It can't take two years to put a shovel in the ground... that adds more cost to the overall development and that's always going to be borne by the consumer.” – Byron Donalds (06:32)

3. The Epstein Files: Congress’ Push for Transparency

Timestamps: 08:38 – 12:21

• Vote to Release Federal Epstein Files: Donalds confirms he will vote for full release with strong victim protection (names redacted).
  • Quote:
    “I think it’s time for transparency. So I’m going to vote to release the files...” – Byron Donalds (09:03)
• Concerns About Due Process & Victims’ Privacy:
  • Expresses worry about innocent individuals being falsely implicated, and the trauma to victims who wish to remain private.
  • Acknowledges this move is unprecedented:
    “We’ve never released criminal files ever in the history of the United States of America.” – Byron Donalds (11:16)
• On Colleague Rep. Thomas Massie Willing to Name Names:
  • Advocates caution to protect due process and prevent reckless accusations.
  • Quote:
    “It takes years to build a reputation. It takes a day to tear it to shreds.” – Byron Donalds (12:10)

4. Democratic Party Critiques: The Case of Rep. Plaskett and Epstein

Timestamps: 12:21 – 15:47

• Lisa Raises New Revelations: Rep. Stacy Plaskett texted Jeffrey Epstein after he was a registered sex offender and received his donations.

• Donalds’ Reaction: Not surprised, but calls out the Democratic Party for "weaponization" of government and collusion to target Trump.

  • Quote:
    “They have these conduits into recesses of our government... where they weaponize information for political purposes.” – Byron Donalds (12:57)
    “The Democrats are the epitome of the ends justify the means crowd.” (14:54)

• Warning to GOP: Urges Republicans to fight back, but not abandon principles, lest they "become the ends justify the means crowd" themselves.

5. Trump, Epstein, and Political Attacks

Timestamps: 18:57 – 20:50

• Lisa asks if Trump should have pushed for Epstein file transparency sooner:
  • Donalds defends Trump, citing his focus on national priorities and seeing the Epstein saga as a distraction fueled by Democratic failures on policy.
  • Quote:
    “He was doing all this work... but the Democrats just wanna talk about Epstein. So I think he was more frustrated than anything.” – Byron Donalds (19:25)

6. Young Voters, Republican Struggles, and Looking to 2026

Timestamps: 20:50 – 27:45

• GOP Weakness with Young Voters: Lisa expresses concern over Republican underperformance with youth, referencing recent midterm losses and Democratic momentum.
• Donalds’ Analysis:
  • Calls for urgent focus on affordability as the central issue.
  • Warns Republicans “can’t let the arsonist now become the fireman” (referring to Democrats campaigning on affordability after creating economic problems).
  • Describes the need for a concrete Republican healthcare plan to challenge Democrat-run policies like Obamacare.
  • Stresses urgency:
    “It’s all hands on deck… Republicans can’t just rely on Donald Trump to carry us across the finish line every single time. It’s not fair to him. But more broadly, it’s not fair to the American people.” – Byron Donalds (24:55)
• On Democrat Party Trends:
  • Sees a real embrace of "Democratic socialism" veering into Marxism; claims socialist policies are gaining ground in big city politics.
  • Argues Democrats lack viable candidates and that GOP needs vibrant, solutions-oriented candidates.

7. Republican Party Unity & Challenges Post-Charlie Kirk

Timestamps: 27:45 – 31:19

• Lisa on Fractures in the GOP: Notes growing tensions, infighting following the assassination of major figure Charlie Kirk, and early 2026 presidential jockeying.
• Donalds’ Solution: Recommits to conservative principles as unifying force—capitalism, merit, legal immigration, and Judeo-Christian values.
  • Quote:
    “Our party is based upon a strong set of ideals. ...We are a capitalist movement, but we believe in the free exchange of not just ideas, but the free exchange of labor for value.” – Byron Donalds (29:35)
• Cautions Against Scapegoating Allies or Immigrants:
  • Defends Israel as U.S. ally
  • Urges energy be spent on principles of liberty and economic growth, not internal blame.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

| Timestamp | Quote | Speaker | |-----------|-------|---------| | 04:47 | “Now it’s about preparing Florida for its future growth... while also maintaining the foundational conservative principles that have made us the best state in America.” | Byron Donalds | | 06:32 | “It can't take two years to put a shovel in the ground... that adds more cost to the overall development and that's always going to be borne by the consumer.” | Byron Donalds | | 09:03 | “I think it’s time for transparency. So I’m going to vote to release the files, and we’ll see where we go from here.” | Byron Donalds | | 12:10 | “It takes years to build a reputation. It takes a day to tear it to shreds.” | Byron Donalds | | 12:57 | “They have these conduits into recesses of our government... where they weaponize information for political purposes.” | Byron Donalds | | 14:54 | “The Democrats are the epitome of the ends justify the means crowd.” | Byron Donalds | | 19:25 | “He was doing all this work... but the Democrats just wanna talk about Epstein. So I think he was more frustrated than anything.” | Byron Donalds | | 24:55 | “Republicans can’t just rely on Donald Trump to carry us across the finish line every single time. It’s not fair to him. But more broadly, it’s not fair to the American people.” | Byron Donalds | | 29:35 | “Our party is based upon a strong set of ideals... We are a capitalist movement, but we believe in the free exchange of not just ideas, but the free exchange of labor for value.” | Byron Donalds |

Segment Timestamps for Quick Reference

• 00:00–02:55 – Ads, intro (skip)
• 02:55 – Lisa Boothe intro; sets topics
• 04:27 – Byron Donalds on why he’s running for governor
• 05:28 – Florida’s affordability crisis; Donalds’ solutions
• 07:43 – Donalds on Trump endorsement, GOP landscape in FL
• 08:38 – Epstein file release vote; transparency/due process concerns
• 12:21 – Rep. Plaskett/Epstein controversy; Dem party tactics
• 14:54 – Analysis of Democrat motivations
• 18:57 – Trump & the Epstein files; political distractions
• 20:50 – Republican troubles with young voters; strategy for 2026
• 24:55 – Healthcare and economic messaging for GOP
• 26:18 – Democrat socialism/Marxism trends in major cities
• 27:45 – GOP fracturing after Charlie Kirk’s passing; unity via principles
• 31:19 – Closing gratitude/acknowledgment

Summary Takeaway

This episode offers a clear window into current Republican thinking from the perspective of one of Florida’s rising political stars. Donalds champions Florida as “the best state in America” but claims only iconoclastic, efficiency-minded conservatism can keep it that way in the face of affordability pressures and Democratic “weaponization” of institutions. The conversation underscores GOP anxieties about youth voters, party unity, and how to keep Trump-era passions mobilized—even as Democrats shift their narrative to “affordability.” The discussion is bold, principled, and at times combative, capturing the urgency and strategy shaping the next phase of Republican politics in Florida and beyond.