Donald Trump (76) had already announced it: he will take on Florida governor Ron DeSantis (44). Trump nicknamed him Ron The “Hypocrite”. In a lengthy statement, he described DeSantis as a political lightweight who came to him when he ran for his first term in 2017.
Trump writes on his social network Truth: “Ron DeSantis had low ratings, bad polls and no money, but he said he could win if I support him.”
Trump angry over possible candidacy
He remains furious: “I also fixed his campaign, which had completely fallen apart.” Then Trump complains that DeSantis is “playing games”. He did this by refusing to rule out a presidential candidacy in 2024. Trump warns him that if he does, he will be defeated.
Trump continues to rant about Florida governor. He writes, “The fake news asks him if he’s going to run when President Trump runs and he says, ‘I’m just focused on the gubernatorial race. I’m not looking to the future.'” Then he etches, “Well, in terms of loyalty and class, that’s really not the right answer.”
DeSantis achieves smashing victory
The reason for Trump’s outburst against DeSantis is probably his own now declining position in the party. After the midterm elections, in which Republicans have not yet achieved the expected large majority in the House, many in the party are blaming Donald Trump. Some drop the ex-president and distance themselves from him.
The poor performance of Trump-backed candidates has sparked a debate within Republicans over who is best placed to lead the party through 2024. DeSantis’ landslide victory in Florida has raised voices that DeSantis is the better candidate. (EU)