Rep. John Rutherford, U.S. Congressman representing Florida’s 5th district since 2017, posted a series of messages on social media in mid-February 2026 addressing national holidays, religious observances, and legislative concerns.
On Presidents’ Day, February 16, Rutherford acknowledged the contributions of past presidents and highlighted the nation’s founding principles. He wrote: “Happy Presidents’ Day! Today, may we take time to honor the many presidents who have stepped forward to lead this great nation, including President Trump.
Thanks to the leadership and vision of our founding fathers, America still stands today as a beacon of liberty. “
Two days later, on February 18, Rutherford extended wishes for Ash Wednesday and Lent. His message read: “I wish you and yours a blessed Ash Wednesday and a holy and reflective Lent. May God be with you.”
On February 19, Rutherford addressed ongoing legislative negotiations regarding federal funding for homeland security agencies. He stated: “By not passing the Fiscal Year 2026 Homeland Security funding bill, Senate Democratic leadership are using the American public and their safety as leverage in their fight against immigration and customs enforcement. They are holding funding for FEMA, TSA, CISA, the Coast Guard,”
Rutherford has represented Florida’s 5th District in Congress since succeeding Ander Crenshaw in 2017. Before his tenure in Congress, he served in the Florida House of Representatives. Born in Omaha, Nebraska in 1952 and currently residing in Jacksonville at age 70, Rutherford is an alumnus of Florida State University with a Bachelor of Science degree earned in 1974.
