Gov. Ron DeSantis, along with members of his Florida cabinet, passed an agenda item to designate a 2.63-acre parcel of land for the Donald J. Trump Presidential Library near Miami-Dade County's historic Freedom Tower this week.
“Having the Trump Presidential Library in Miami will be good for Florida, for the city, and for Miami Dade College,” DeSantis said in the announcement. “No state has supported the President’s agenda more than the Free State of Florida, and I was proud to spearhead the successful effort to house this historic presidential library right here in his home state.”
The agenda item was part of the state’s Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund. Gov. DeSantis indicated plans for the proposal in an announcement last week.
Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia, who was also part of the board, said that "as the home state of President Trump, Florida is grateful for his immense contributions." "I am proud to approve the conveyance of land next to the historic Freedom Tower, a symbol of freedom for so many, for the Donald J. Trump Presidential Library," he added.
The Freedom Tower, built in 1925, was largely used as a processing center for Cuban refugees fleeing the Communist regime of Fidel Castro during the 1960s and 70s.
According to the governor's office, the parcel is currently an employee parking lot for Miami Dade College’s Wolfson Campus. The lot will be the first Presidential library in Florida, and it will "provide generations of Americans the ability to honor the service and legacy" of President Trump.
The site would also provide "additional economic development opportunities" to the area.
"President Trump’s historic accomplishments have forever changed our country for the better, and we look forward to welcoming visitors from around the world to learn about his legacy of patriotism. This enshrines Florida as Trump Country," Ingoglia continued.
Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson and Attorney General James Uthmeier were also part of the board.
"It was an honor to vote in favor of making Florida the future home of President Trump's Presidential Library," Uthmeier said. "I look forward to the patriotic stories the Trump Library Foundation will showcase for generations to come in the Free State of Florida."
Established in 1855, the board is responsible for the "acquisition, management, protection, and disposition" of state-owned lands.
“Florida is President Trump’s home state, and there is no more fitting place for his Presidential Library,” Simpson said. "I was proud to vote in support of bringing this historic tribute to Florida, where his legacy can be honored for generations.”
