Former President Donald Trump recently met privately with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis over breakfast, with plans for DeSantis to help raise money for Trump’s campaign. The meeting was described as “nice” and “friendly” by sources, and was arranged by Steven Witkoff, a mutual contact of the two men. DeSantis had reached out to Trump’s team through Witkoff two weeks prior to set up the meeting to discuss fundraising and “bury the hatchet.” The meeting took place at a golf club near Miami where the former president joined the governor for breakfast.
DeSantis, who had criticized Trump during the Republican primary, had previously referred to him as running on personal issues rather than focusing on the American people. Despite this, DeSantis told donors in April that he planned to help raise money for Trump’s campaign. He has also criticized Trump’s stance on abortion, stating that “all pro-lifers should know that he’s preparing to sell you out.” Despite these differences, DeSantis had endorsed Trump after suspending his own campaign just before the New Hampshire primary, arguing against a return to the “old Republican guard” and stating that he did not wish to be considered as a potential vice presidential candidate.
DeSantis had made it clear in the past that he was focused on winning the presidency and was not interested in other positions such as vice president or a role in the Cabinet. He emphasized his commitment to his campaign and his opposition to accepting the vice presidential nomination under any circumstances. The meeting with Trump comes after DeSantis had previously stated that “the swamp was not drained” during Trump’s term, indicating his criticism of Washington politics under the former president.
The meeting between Trump and DeSantis marks a potential alliance between the two prominent Republican figures, with DeSantis now actively involved in fundraising for the former president’s campaign. Despite previous differences and criticisms, the two men appear to have set aside their past disagreements in the interest of supporting Trump’s bid for reelection. DeSantis’ decision to endorse Trump after suspending his own campaign highlights his prioritization of a new direction for the Republican Party and his opposition to returning to previous leadership styles. The future of this alliance remains to be seen as the presidential campaign progresses.
