Tallahassee, Florida – A Florida-registered nurse who sparked widespread outrage after declaring he would refuse to administer anesthesia to patients supporting the “Make America Great Again” (MAGA) movement or former President Donald Trump has surrendered his nursing license.

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced on January 29, 2026, that Erik Martindale is no longer a registered nurse in the state. “Effective today, Erik Martindale is no longer a registered nurse in Florida,” Uthmeier stated. “Healthcare is not contingent on political beliefs, and we have zero tolerance for partisans who put politics above their ethical duty to treat patients with the respect and dignity they deserve.”

The controversy began when a now-deleted social media post, reportedly from Martindale’s Facebook account, went viral. In it, the nurse wrote: “I will not perform anesthesia for any surgeries or procedures for MAGA. It is my right, it is my ethical oath and I stand behind my education. I own all of my businesses and I can refuse anyone!”

Martindale, a University of Miami graduate who worked as a nurse anesthetist, later claimed his account had been hacked, though the post had already drawn intense backlash from conservatives and medical professionals who argued that political discrimination has no place in healthcare.

Florida officials moved quickly. This case marked the second recent instance of a Florida nurse facing professional consequences for politically charged social media statements. The state’s actions underscore a firm stance against using medical care as a tool for political retribution.

According to the Florida Department of Health, Martindale’s license status is now listed as voluntarily relinquished. He can no longer legally practice nursing in Florida.

Medical ethics codes, including those from the American Nurses Association and state boards, generally require healthcare providers to deliver care without discrimination based on race, religion, gender, or political affiliation. Experts say that refusing treatment on partisan grounds violates core principles of the profession and could expose practitioners to legal and disciplinary risks.

The incident has fueled broader national discussions about the intersection of politics, social media, and medical ethics in the wake of the 2024 election. Supporters of Martindale’s original stance framed it as personal conscience, while critics called it dangerous discrimination that endangers patients.

As of now, Martindale has not issued a public statement following the announcement of his license relinquishment. The Florida Board of Nursing has not released additional details about the investigation.

This case serves as a reminder that in healthcare, the patient’s needs must come before personal or political beliefs.