WaPo: Trump is now in a ‘simmering rivalry’ with DeSantis

According to a report by The Washington Post, former President Donald Trump – who endorsed Ron DeSantis during 2018 gubernatorial campaign – has reportedly hit out at DeSantis for being “ungrateful,” allegedly telling his advisers that “I made him.”

The Washington Post reported that Trump and DeSantis haven’t spoken for months. Trump has also not campaigned for DeSantis as he is up for re-election as Florida Governor. DeSantis is running against Florida Democrat Charlie Crist.

Trump previously referred to DeSantis as a “great friend,” and also said that DeSantis would would make a good vice president.

“I think Ron [DeSantis] would be good,” Trump said. “I think Mike [Pence] has been very hurt by what took place with respect to January 6. I think he’s been mortally wounded, frankly,” Trump said back in 2019.

“I don’t understand what happened here,” Trump reportedly said, referring to the lack of support given to him by DeSantis. “I don’t understand why he doesn’t appreciate me more.”

Trump has made similar comments before, saying that DeSantis has a “dull personality.”

Trump and DeSantis are largely seen as the favorites to take the 2024 GOP nominee, however Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell predicted would feature a “crowded” primary.

“I think we’re going to have a crowded field for president,” McConnell said, speaking at the GOP’s regular press conference after a caucus lunch on Capitol Hill. “I assume that most of that will unfold later. And people will be picking their candidates during a crowded primary field.”

DeSantis has not criticized Trump during his re-election campaign. Experts have predicted that a strong re-election victory could propel DeSantis into the mix for the GOP nominee.

Alex Conant, who was communications director for Sen. Marco Rubio’s 2016 presidential campaign, predicted DeSantis would “win an impressive re-election which will only strengthen his political capital.”

“He has established a national brand for himself which can be hard when you’re the governor of one state,” Conant said.