Trump touts ‘great meeting’ with DeSantis to discuss 2024 and ‘future of Florida’

Former President Trump on Monday said he had a “great meeting” over the weekend with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R), Trump’s former primary rival, whom he has relentlessly disparaged in recent months.

“I am very happy to have the full and enthusiastic support of Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

The former president said Steve Witkoff, a longtime Trump ally and real estate mogul, arranged the meeting. 

“The conversation mostly concerned how we would work closely together to MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN,” Trump wrote. “Also discussed was the future of Florida, which is FANTASTIC! I greatly appreciate Ron’s support in taking back our Country from the Worst President in the History of the United States. November 5th is a BIG DAY!!!”

While Trump likely does not need DeSantis’s help to win the state of Florida in November, the Florida governor has a strong base of donors and supporters who could help the former president as he takes on President Biden.

DeSantis is also believed to have an eye on the 2028 presidential race, and patching things up with Trump would likely benefit his future prospects.

The meeting marked the first time the two men had spoken in person since a bitter primary campaign that saw Trump repeatedly attack the Florida governor on personality and policy until DeSantis suspended his campaign after the Iowa caucuses.

Trump repeatedly referred to the governor as “DeSanctimonious” and complained that DeSantis had not been adequately appreciative of his endorsement during the 2018 Florida gubernatorial race. On policy, Trump accused DeSantis of copying his ideas. 

While DeSantis endorsed Trump upon suspending his campaign in January, the sniping did not stop. After DeSantis reportedly aired grievances about Trump on a call with supporters, top Trump aide Chris LaCivita responded that DeSantis was a “sad little man.”

DeSantis had avoided directly attacking Trump in the early months of his presidential bid, but by the end of his campaign the Florida governor was telling supporters Trump had “lost the zip on his fastball” and was not the same candidate who united the party in 2016 and 2020.