A Florida nurse has ignited a national debate on political bias in healthcare after a controversial social media post vowed to deny anesthesia to patients affiliated with the Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement. The nurse, Erik Martindale, is facing severe public backlash and an official demand from the Florida Attorney General for the immediate revocation of his medical license, highlighting the increasing challenge of maintaining professional ethics amidst rising political tensions.
Story Highlights
- Florida nurse Erik Martindale vows not to treat MAGA members, citing political beliefs.
- Florida Attorney General demands revocation of Martindale’s license.
- Incident highlights political polarization in healthcare.
- Martindale claims his social media was hacked after backlash.
Florida Nurse’s Controversial Stand
Erik Martindale, a registered nurse in Florida, ignited a firestorm by announcing on Facebook that he would refuse to administer anesthesia to patients affiliated with the Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement. Martindale’s post declared that his refusal was a matter of personal ethics and business rights. This statement, made on January 26, 2026, quickly went viral, drawing widespread condemnation from both the public and political figures.
NO ANESTHESIA FOR MAGA: A registered Florida nurse, Erik Martindale, said he would refuse to administer anesthesia to patients who support Trump — and believes that stance is ethical and within his rights. pic.twitter.com/WrMp0uXXIU
— Trump Girl 🇺🇲🦅🇺🇲 (@MAGA__Patriot) January 27, 2026
Official Response and Public Outcry
The response from the public was swift and severe, with many taking to social media to demand Martindale’s suspension and the revocation of his medical license. Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier joined the chorus, publicly urging the state nursing board to take immediate action against Martindale. The Attorney General’s involvement is a clear indication of the seriousness with which state authorities are treating this breach of professional ethics.
Despite the backlash, Martindale later claimed that his social media accounts had been hacked, and he did not make the controversial posts. However, this explanation has done little to quell the outrage, as many remain skeptical of his claims.
Political Polarization in Healthcare
This incident is not isolated, reflecting a broader trend of political polarization affecting various sectors, including healthcare. The case follows a similar incident involving another Florida nurse, Lexie Lawler, who faced serious consequences for her politically charged social media activity. The increasing intersection of personal beliefs and professional responsibilities is raising questions about the ethical obligations of healthcare providers.
The healthcare community is tasked with upholding the principle of providing care to all patients regardless of their political affiliations. This foundational ethic is now being tested as political tensions continue to rise, potentially compromising patient care and professional standards.
Watch the report: MAGA Panic: Nurse Uses Desantis’ “License To Discriminate” Against Them
Sources:
- No Anaesthesia for MAGA: Florida Nurse Refuses to Treat Republicans, Sparks Calls for Suspension
- Doc Refuses to Give Conservatives Anesthesia
- Florida AG Pages Nursing Board to Revoke License of Anesthesiologist Not to Treat Republicans
- Florida AG Doubles Down on Florida Nurse’s Social Media Behavior
