In a move that signifies a potential warming of ties, former President Donald Trump and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis met privately in Miami, in what sources describe as a pivotal step towards unity within the Republican Party. After a yearslong frosty period, the meeting, arranged by mutual contact and Florida real estate investor Steve Witkoff, may signal a détente between two of the Republican Party’s most influential figures.
During the several-hours-long breakfast at Shell Bay Club, DeSantis reportedly agreed to tap into his substantial donor network to assist Trump’s general election fundraising efforts. This development comes as Trump’s campaign has lagged in the financial race against President Joe Biden and his allies, making DeSantis’ support particularly crucial.
DeSantis, whose relationship with Trump turned sour following a disappointing primary season, seems to recognize the political expediency in reconciling with Trump. After his unsuccessful White House campaign, DeSantis backed Trump in the Republican primary, but he has not been seen with the presumed GOP candidate at any campaign gatherings since.Despite previously expressing grievances about being treated unfairly by Trump’s camp, DeSantis has shown a readiness to support Trump, as indicated by his endorsement after withdrawing from the race .
“It’s clear to me that a majority of Republican primary voters want to give Donald Trump another chance,” DeSantis stated in his endorsement video, acknowledging Trump’s unyielding base despite the Democratic efforts to curtail his political influence.
The implications of this meeting extend beyond mere fundraising. DeSantis, once criticized by Trump’s team during the primary season, has been reassessed as a valuable ally in the broader Republican strategy. Trump, known for his transactional approach to politics, remarked post-endorsement, “Will I be using the name Ron DeSanctimonious? I said that name is officially retired.”
The union of Trump, a dominant figure in the GOP, and DeSantis, a governor with a rising star status, could reshape the party’s path forward. DeSantis, who has hinted at a possible 2028 presidential run, has a clear incentive to build bridges, not just for Trump’s campaign but for his own political longevity.
The Trump-DeSantis alliance seems primarily focused on confronting the financial might of the Democrats. DeSantis, speaking at a donor retreat, signaled his intention to aid not only Trump but Republicans “up and down the ballot,” acknowledging concerns of being significantly outspent in the upcoming election year.“I haven’t ruled anything out,” during a private conversation with supporters, he mentioned, as per multiple sources who reviewed a leaked recording and confirmed by three listeners to CNN, that he has no plans to serve as vice president.
Relevant articles:
– Trump and DeSantis meet privately in Florida, The Washington Post, 04/29/2024
– Trump meets privately with former GOP rival Ron DeSantis, NBC News, Sun, 28 Apr 2024 22:31:41 GMT
– Trump and DeSantis, once GOP rivals, meet in South Florida to talk about 2024 election, CBS News, Sun, 28 Apr 2024 23:12:48 GMT
– Trump and DeSantis meet to ‘bury the hatchet’ after 2024 primary fight: Sources, ABC News, Sun, 28 Apr 2024 21:09:15 GMT
– Trump and DeSantis meet in Miami for first conversation since Florida governor dropped out of GOP primary, CNN, Sun, 28 Apr 2024 21:35:00 GMT