Trump Nominates Florida House Speaker Daniel Perez as U.S. Ambassador to Brazil
By Hotspotnews
President Donald Trump has nominated Daniel Perez, the outgoing Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives, to serve as the United States Ambassador to Brazil. The nomination was sent to the Senate on June 1, 2026, filling a key diplomatic post that has been vacant since the start of the Trump administration.
Perez, a prominent Republican lawmaker from Miami, brings a background in law, state-level leadership, and conservative policy priorities to the role. His selection underscores the administration’s emphasis on appointing experienced political allies with strong ties to Florida’s influential Cuban-American community and a track record of advancing pro-business and public safety agendas.
Profile of Daniel Perez
Daniel Anthony Perez was born on June 22, 1987, in New York City. His family moved to Florida in 1993, settling in the vibrant Westchester neighborhood of Miami-Dade County, which he now represents. As a first-generation Cuban-American, Perez has often highlighted the values of hard work, optimism, and public service instilled in him from a young age.
He earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Florida State University in 2009 and a Juris Doctor from Loyola University New Orleans College of Law in 2012. Perez began his legal career as an associate attorney at Downs Law Group and later at Cole, Scott & Kissane. Since 2018, he has served as in-house legal counsel for Doctors Health Care Plans, Inc., a Florida-based Medicaid-focused health plan.
Perez entered politics with a successful grassroots campaign, winning a special election in 2017 to represent Florida House District 116. He has been reelected multiple times and rose quickly through the ranks. He previously chaired key committees, including Judiciary, Pandemic & Public Emergencies, and Public Integrity & Elections. In November 2024, he was elected Speaker of the Florida House for the 2024-2026 term, becoming the third Cuban-American to hold the position.
A married father of three—Camila Lucia, Matias Daniel, and Paulina Andrea—Perez is known for his focus on lower taxes, limited government, community safety, healthcare, infrastructure, affordable housing, and property insurance reform. He has built a reputation as a strong advocate for law enforcement and public safety initiatives.
Why Perez Was Nominated
Perez’s nomination reflects several strategic considerations. As a loyal Republican with deep roots in South Florida’s politically active Cuban-American community, he aligns closely with the Trump administration’s priorities in Latin America. His leadership in the Florida House demonstrated effectiveness in navigating complex legislative battles, including asserting the legislature’s independence on budget and policy matters.
Florida’s strong economic and cultural ties to Brazil, combined with Perez’s legal expertise and experience in governance, position him well to strengthen bilateral relations. Key areas likely to benefit include trade, regional security, energy cooperation, and countering influences from adversarial powers in the hemisphere. His conservative credentials and focus on accountability and safety mirror the administration’s broader diplomatic approach.
The post has been vacant for months, and naming a high-profile figure like Perez signals a commitment to filling critical ambassadorial roles with trusted allies as the administration advances its foreign policy agenda. Perez’s confirmation would mark another step in elevating Florida Republicans to prominent national and international positions, leveraging the state’s growing influence in U.S. politics. The Senate will now review the nomination as part of the standard confirmation process.
Key Names to Work With Him
As Florida House Speaker, Daniel Perez has assembled an experienced team that could support him in the ambassadorial role. He would likely draw from this network for trusted senior advisors, alongside career State Department diplomats for day-to-day embassy operations. Here are the main names:
Core Staff in the Speaker’s Office
- Mathew (Mat) Bahl — Chief of Staff. A highly respected Capitol veteran who has served as Chief of Staff for multiple previous Speakers (Chris Sprowls, Richard Corcoran, and Dean Cannon). Known for deep legislative strategy and operational expertise.
- Amelia Angleton — Communications Director. Longtime Perez team member responsible for media relations and public messaging.
- Alex Barrera — Deputy Chief of Staff. Focuses on budget, programs, and operational support.
House Leadership Team (Key Allies)
- Wyman Duggan — Speaker Pro Tempore.
- Tyler Sirois — Majority Leader.
- Committee chairs such as Chuck Brannan (Judiciary), Lawrence McClure (Budget), James Buchanan (Commerce), and others including Jennifer Canady, Sam Garrison, Will Robinson, and Josie Tomkow.
These colleagues helped advance Perez’s priorities on taxes, public safety, and conservative policies. His broader network includes strong ties to Florida’s Cuban-American community, Trump allies like Susie Wiles, and figures such as Senator Marco Rubio.
Perez’s nomination remains in the early stages with no hearings scheduled yet, but it enjoys support from Republican leaders. If confirmed, his team’s experience would help ensure a smooth transition into strengthening U.S.-Brazil relations.