Escalating Feud: Trump vs. DeSantis Rivalry Intensifies Amid GOP Florida Gathering

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Amidst the burgeoning 2024 presidential campaign, Donald Trump intensifies his efforts to thwart Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’s White House aspirations, securing broader campaign support in their mutual domicile of Florida. This escalation was on full display Saturday, as both political figures courted Republican officials and activists.

The rivalry between DeSantis and Trump was palpable at the state party’s Freedom Summit, where the audience’s reactions clearly demarcated their loyalties. Enthusiastic cheers erupted for Senator Rick Scott of Florida, a staunch Trump supporter, as he reaffirmed his backing of Trump, who many consider the Republican frontrunner. Conversely, Chris Christie, the former New Jersey governor whose campaign has not gained traction, faced jeers from the crowd for criticizing Trump’s suitability for the party and the nation.

Scott’s endorsement of Trump included a notable omission of DeSantis, despite succeeding Scott in the governorship.

Trump’s campaign strategically publicized the shift of seven Florida legislators from DeSantis to Trump, a testament to Trump’s influence in a state where DeSantis has achieved considerable conservative victories and pushed the state’s politics further to the right. This revelation was initially brought to light by The Messenger, indicating a potential shift in the political winds within Florida.

The tension between Trump and DeSantis has become increasingly acerbic and uncouth, reaching new heights in recent engagements.

Florida’s Lt. Governor, Jeannette Nuñez, ardently defended DeSantis, emphasizing the transformative impact of their administration on Florida. Meanwhile, Christie’s opposition to Trump’s nomination, amid multiple criminal indictments, invited scorn and the derisive suggestion to return to New Jersey.

Amidst this, DeSantis confronts a formidable challenge, trailing significantly in the polls and facing a Trump campaign that is not only intent on victory but also keen to discredit DeSantis in the electoral process. Promotional materials for both Trump and DeSantis were available at the convention, with DeSantis’s merchandise being notably marked down.

Alex Conant, a Republican strategist and veteran of Marco Rubio’s 2016 presidential campaign, highlighted the critical nature of the support from Florida officials for DeSantis’s campaign message.

Looking ahead, DeSantis is set to participate in the third Republican debate in Miami, while Trump opts out, choosing to host an alternative event in the neighboring city of Hialeah.

DeSantis, who initially appeared to be a formidable contender following a significant gubernatorial reelection victory, has found his campaign struggling since its inception in May, trailing significantly behind Trump. Recent polls from Des Moines Register placed him on par with Nikki Haley, each garnering 16% of support, a stark contrast to Trump’s lead.

Amidst the heated competition, Trump has accused DeSantis of disloyalty and the Trump campaign has taken jabs at DeSantis’s demeanor and voter interactions. DeSantis has retorted by highlighting Trump’s missteps and questioning his vigor.

The campaign has devolved into personal attacks, with Trump’s camp circulating rumors of DeSantis’s purported use of shoe lifts and DeSantis issuing a brash challenge to Trump regarding debate attendance.

This crude banter echoes the 2016 presidential bid by another Floridian, Senator Marco Rubio, who quipped about Trump’s “small hands” after Trump’s personal jibes. Rubio’s campaign ended shortly after a defeat in the Florida primary.

Within the state party, Trump scored a procedural victory when members opposed a mandate for Florida primary candidates to endorse the eventual nominee, a pledge Trump has declined at the national level.

Joe Gruters, a former state party chairman and early Trump supporter, anticipates further endorsements but acknowledges the potential backlash for those who pivot away from DeSantis, who remains governor for three more years. He cited the difficult position of lawmakers who risk retaliation in their local service roles, suggesting that fear may be keeping some supporters silent.

Barrow contributed from Atlanta, with additional reporting by Jill Colvin of Big Big News in New York.

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More about Trump-DeSantis rivalry

• Trump’s 2024 Campaign Efforts
• DeSantis’s Political Strategies
• GOP Freedom Summit Reactions
• Florida Republican Endorsements
• 2024 Presidential Polls
• Republican Debate Schedules