Former President Donald Trump once more expressed his criticisms of Florida Governor and fellow GOP contender, Ron DeSantis, during a recent political gathering in Pennsylvania.
These remarks have sparked significant controversy among conservative circles, with some individuals advocating for Trump to adopt an alternative approach.
Trump campaign staff: These non-stop attacks on DeSantis aren't having the effect we hoped. They're driving our supporters over to DeSantis. Maybe we should try something different.
— Grumpy Old Al (@ConservativaPol) July 9, 2023
Trump: Say no more. I've got this.
Also Trump: DeSantis is a son of bitch. And he's…
According to Grabien’s report, Trump’s comments highlighted his endorsement of DeSantis through his participation in several rallies in Florida. Trump stated that these rallies drew massive crowds, with thousands of people attending each event. He expressed confidence in DeSantis’ victory, saying, “I said, ‘You know, you’re going to win.’ And he ended up winning.”
Trump continued: “And then about three years later, they said to him, ‘Will you run against the president?’ And he said, ‘I have no comment on that.’ I said, ‘He has no comment? That means he’s running.’ I said, ‘That son of a bitch is running!’ I got him elected. So, no, I’m not a big fan of his and he’s highly overrated. He’s highly overrated.”
Trump’s contentious remarks referred to an outdated and disputed poll, as well as an ongoing FBI investigation into DeSantis’s handling of government records. These attacks from Trump have prompted several Conservative commentators to come to DeSantis’s defense.
Matt Walsh, a popular host at the Daily Wire, praised DeSantis, stating, “DeSantis has done a terrific job in Florida. He has delivered on policy and resonated with the cultural conversation.”
The Daily Wire highlighted that Trump’s criticisms of DeSantis are not new, as he has previously referred to him as “Meatball Ron,” “Ron DeEstablishment,” “Shutdown Ron,” “Ron DisHonest,” “DeSoros,” and “Ron DeSanctimonious” in recent months.
While DeSantis had previously brushed off Trump’s jabs as “white noise,” last week he responded with an advertisement that questioned Trump’s Conservative credentials.
DeSantis anti Trump LGBTQ ad. pic.twitter.com/38aZOPbnLn
— D. Scott @eclipsethis2003 (@eclipsethis2003) July 7, 2023
In a September 2022 report, The Washington Post documented Trump’s accusation that DeSantis lacked gratitude and loyalty towards him despite his support. Trump expressed confusion over the situation, stating, “He’s ungrateful… I don’t understand what happened here. I don’t understand why he doesn’t appreciate me more.”
However, in DeSantis’ autobiography titled “The Courage to Be Free,” the governor praised Trump, writing:
“In late 2017, I asked the president if he would be willing to send out a tweet touting me as a good candidate for Florida governor. He seemed amenable, but at the same time I was not holding my breath; the president has a lot on his plate, and this was not likely to rank high on his list of things to do.”
“About a week later, a Trump tweet appeared: Congressman Ron DeSantis is a brilliant young leader, Yale and then Harvard Law, who would make a GREAT governor of Florida. He loves our Country and is a true FIGHTER.”
Trump and a number of his advisors have voiced skepticism regarding DeSantis’s preparedness for the presidency, indicating that he should remain in Florida. Despite the numerous criticisms, Trump, who currently resides in Florida, acknowledged that he voted for DeSantis in the 2022 gubernatorial election.
