Following a significant meeting between former President Donald Trump and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, political circles are abuzz with news of a potential alliance. In what seems to be a strategic pivot, DeSantis, once a vocal critic of Trump’s demand for loyalty, has agreed to lend his fundraising prowess to Trump’s campaign.
This meeting, brokered by Florida real estate investor Steve Witkoff, marks the end of a frosty era between the two Republicans, who had become bitter rivals during the GOP primaries. The Washington Post revealed that the meeting lasted several hours and concluded on amicable terms, with DeSantis committing to assist Trump’s fundraising efforts, which have been lagging behind those of President Biden and his allies.
DeSantis’s decision to support Trump is seen by some as a move to consolidate his future political ambitions, smoothing over past animosities with Trump, who still wields considerable influence within the GOP base. Despite enduring a series of personal attacks from Trump during the primaries, DeSantis seems poised to leverage his extensive network of wealthy patrons to bolster Trump’s campaign coffers.
According to reports, allies of both parties have expressed the necessity of a détente, suggesting that a continued strained relationship between Trump and DeSantis is untenable, especially as the latter considers a potential presidential run in 2028. DeSantis’s endorsement of Trump after dropping out of the GOP primary highlighted his interest in maintaining a role within the party’s future.
The optics of this partnership have reignited speculations around DeSantis’s vice-presidential ambitions, with social media users and political commentators weighing in on the possibilities. Nonetheless, insiders insist that the meeting’s focus was squarely on fundraising, not VP selections.
This unexpected collaboration comes after DeSantis had previously criticized the party’s unwavering loyalty to Trump, famously saying, “You can be the most worthless Republican in America. But if you kiss the ring, he’ll say you’re wonderful.” Yet, in a turn of events, DeSantis seems to have adopted a more pragmatic approach, recognizing the value of aligning with Trump’s enduring popularity among a significant portion of the Republican electorate.
The Washington Post noted that DeSantis remains “widely loathed” among those in Trump’s inner circle, and The New York Times said DeSantis was not believed to be a contender for the vice presidential slot.
Still, DeSantis could be an effective fundraiser: He and his main super PAC blew through an estimated $160 million in his doomed presidential effort, the Times reported earlier this year.
Relevant articles:
– Ron DeSantis Reportedly Ready To Do What He Mocked Others For After Trump Meeting, HuffPost, 04/30/2024
– Trump and DeSantis meet privately in Florida, The Washington Post, Sun, 28 Apr 2024 20:16:00 GMT
– DeSantis makes nice with Trump in Miami: reports, Business Insider, Sun, 28 Apr 2024 23:49:00 GMT
– Trump Wants DeSantis to Help Close Fundraising Gap: Sources, Newser, Mon, 29 Apr 2024 07:00:00 GMT
– Ron DeSantis VP Speculation Erupts After Donald Trump Meeting, Newsweek, Mon, 29 Apr 2024 12:31:17 GMT