Logo

Florida Republican Rep. Anna Paulina Luna lauded former President Donald Trump for infusing four essential lessons that propelled her to succeed during her first term in the House of Representatives. 

The freshman lawmaker — who sported a MAGA-themed swimsuit in a viral 2016 video supporting Trump — told Maxim in a tantalizing cover story that the 45th president helped her navigate the political “elite” to fix a “broken system” in Washington, DC.

“First, always do what you think is right for the people you serve, even if it means going against the grain and sometimes your own party,” the 35-year-old said of the first lesson she learned from the 78-year-old Republican presidential nominee.  


  The freshman lawmaker was featured on the cover of Maxim’s November/December issue. Gilles Bensimon The freshman lawmaker was featured on the cover of Maxim’s November/December issue. Gilles Bensimon

“The Washington, DC, elite is real, and when it comes to fixing a broken system, being an outsider is not a bad thing.”

She explained that Trump — who she says she’s known for four years — also made her become a “better negotiator” after listening to him talk about his interactions with foreign leaders and business deals, telling her that the “best deal comes at the eleventh hour,” according to Maxim. 

The GOP congresswoman, who served in the Air Force before running for Congress, said Trump’s lifestyle inspired her to avoid drinking and smoking to maintain a clear head and stay focused. 


  The GOP congresswoman said Trump guided her through the political “elite” to fix a “broken system” in Washington, DC. Gilles Bensimon The GOP congresswoman said Trump guided her through the political “elite” to fix a “broken system” in Washington, DC. Gilles Bensimon

“Finally, don’t forget the personal touch,” Luna told Maxim.

“Behind closed doors, he’s the most hospitable and caring person I’ve ever met. His family adores him, and so does his staff. He has personal friendships with many members of Congress and the Senate and does little things to stay in touch, such as writing letters and making calls.”


  She called Trump the “most hospitable and caring person” she’s ever met. Getty Images She called Trump the “most hospitable and caring person” she’s ever met. Getty Images

Luna, who was elected to represent Florida’s 13th Congressional District in 2022 following an unsuccessful run two years prior, is now vying for a second term in the US House against Democratic challenger Whitney Fox.

The Republican pol has been an outspoken critic of abortion and a strong supporter of gun rights and serves on the Natural Resources and Oversight and Accountability Committees. Luna has also been a staunch backer of Trump as he battles Vice President Kamala Harris to retake the White House.


  Luna served in the Air Force before running for Congress. Gilles Bensimon Luna served in the Air Force before running for Congress. Gilles Bensimon

Luna said she was thrust into politics after volunteering with an organization to end child sex trafficking, quickly recognizing a direct correlation between an open border and the increasing number of child trafficking cases, according to Maxim. 

“I realized that to change the national narrative and to try to solve the issue, I would have to run for office,” she revealed during her interview for the November-December issue.

“There’s not exactly a manual on how to do that, but I figured it out. This job is not easy, but it’s extremely rewarding. I know that I’m already having an impact on foreign policy and our military and raising awareness to stop crimes against children.”


  Luna, who was elected to represent Florida’s 13th Congressional District following an unsuccessful run two years prior, is now vying for a second term in the US House against Democratic challenger Whitney Fox. Gilles Bensimon Luna, who was elected to represent Florida’s 13th Congressional District following an unsuccessful run two years prior, is now vying for a second term in the US House against Democratic challenger Whitney Fox. Gilles Bensimon

The Republican was previously featured in Maxim and Sports Illustrated during her time in the military.

Back in August, Luna fired back at online critics after years-old footage of the lawmaker dancing in the MAGA-themed swimsuit resurfaced.


  The Republican was previously featured in Maxim and Sports Illustrated during her time in the military. Gilles Bensimon The Republican was previously featured in Maxim and Sports Illustrated during her time in the military. Gilles Bensimon

“I’m confirming that I have indeed worn swimsuits and you can tell I am biologically a woman,” she snarked on X with the hashtag “MAGA.”

“I have a confession to make since the TikTok Democrats are onto me: I wear bikinis to the beach and mineral sunscreen,” she wrote.

Comments
anonymous profile image
Powered by RoundtableBuilt on infrastructure designed for real-time media. Learn more at RTB.io.© Roundtable 2026. By using this site you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy