Donald Trump sends a very clear message to Ron DeSantis: Stay out of
Asked about the possibility of facing Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis in 2024, Trump was hugely dismissive.
Make no mistake at what Trump is doing here: He is sending a very clear shot across DeSantis’ bow, making sure the newest and biggest star in the national Republican firmament knows that he can’t possibly hope to beat the former president — and shouldn’t even try.
Whether Trump’s aggressive approach to a DeSantis’ candidacy impacts the Florida’ governor’s thinking about 2024 remains to be seen. But like with so many things Trump says about other people, it’s deeply revealing about the former president and how he thinks about himself and his role in the party and the country.
Trump views himself, effectively, as the king of the Republican Party. In his mind, everyone is not only below him but also owes him a debt of gratitude for having any sort of power. And that view very much informs how he sees DeSantis.
That endorsement propelled DeSantis to a come-from-behind win in the GOP primary — and, eventually, the governor’s mansion.
What Trump likely didn’t plan for is how DeSantis, once in office, has emerged as a conservative hero.
Read More: Donald Trump sends a very clear message to Ron DeSantis: Stay out of