Congressman's Valentine's Day Tribute Sparks Online Investigation
The wife of a prominent Republican congressman posted a heartfelt Valentine's Day tribute to her husband, only for internet sleuths to quickly pounce on the post, claiming it inadvertently revealed embarrassing truths about their marriage timeline. Erika Donalds, married to Florida Representative Byron Donalds, shared a romantic timeline of their relationship on social media, which immediately went viral and attracted intense scrutiny.
Valentine's Day Post Goes Viral
On February 14th, Erika Donalds took to X to post a photograph of herself with her spouse, Florida Representative Byron Donalds, alongside a detailed account of their early relationship. "Remembering the spot where @ByronDonalds asked for my number in the Oglesby Student Union at @FloridaState in the fall of 1999," she wrote. "Our first 'date' came a few months later - on Valentine's Day 2000. Thanks, babe, for making all 27 of our Valentine's Days together so special."
Byron Donalds, who is currently running for governor of Florida with former President Donald Trump's endorsement, enthusiastically amplified the post. "I remember that day," he responded. "You were beautiful then, and you are still beautiful now. I love you @ErikaDonalds! Happy Valentines Day!!" The exchange quickly exploded online, garnering more than two million views and attracting widespread attention.
Internet Sleuths Uncover Timeline Discrepancy
Numerous users swiftly zeroed in on peculiar details within the romantic timeline. Mehdi Hasan, a former media host and founder of Zeteo, highlighted the apparent contradiction on X. "Insane that she just tweeted out these dates given it is a matter of public record that he was married to his first wife at the time, just married in fact," Hasan wrote, including a screenshot of the congressman's Wikipedia page.
Public records confirm that Byron Donalds married his first wife, Bisa Hall, in June 1999. The couple divorced in 2002, and Donalds married his current wife, Erika, in March 2003. This timeline indicates that the GOP lawmaker was married approximately three months before he reportedly asked his current wife for her phone number in the fall of 1999, according to The Daily Beast.
Social Media Reaction and Historical Context
A torrent of users quickly seized on this information, roasting the congressman for his apparently questionable conduct. "What a beautiful love story, besides him being married at the time of course," one user wrote sarcastically. Another commented, "This is so romantic. I can only hope I will one day find my mistress like Byron found his." Others pointed out that Donalds appeared to be wearing his wedding ring in the photograph with his second wife.
Donalds' ex-wife, Bisa Hall, has previously spoken publicly about their relationship. In a 2024 interview with WGCU, Hall recalled that Donalds initially pretended to be from Jamaica with a Jamaican accent when they met. "Then the next time I saw him, the Jamaican accent was gone and he said he was from New York," she said. After their wedding, Hall discovered Donalds was involved with a Florida State University student named Erika Lees. The couple attempted reconciliation, but Donalds ultimately pushed for a speedy divorce after Lees became pregnant.
Political Implications and Gubernatorial Ambitions
This latest controversy emerges as Byron Donalds focuses on his campaign for Florida's governor's mansion. The congressman, who would be the state's first Black governor, announced his candidacy in February of last year. Former President Donald Trump offered a gushing endorsement on Truth Social just days before the official announcement. "Byron Donalds would be a truly Great and Powerful Governor for Florida," Trump wrote. "I know Byron well, have seen him tested at the highest and most difficult levels, and he is a TOTAL WINNER. Byron has a great wife, Erika, and three beautiful sons. They are very proud of him!"
Donalds has previously courted controversy, notably in 2024 when he implied that Black families may have been better off during segregation. "During Jim Crow, the Black family was together," the congressman stated during an event in Pennsylvania, according to Politico. A spokesperson for Donalds did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Independent regarding the Valentine's Day post controversy.
