In anticipation of an early May donor retreat in Palm Beach featuring potential 2024 GOP vice presidential candidates, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis reportedly held a private meeting with presumptive GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump.
The former allies, turned primary rivals, convened on Sunday in Miami, with sources revealing to The Washington Post that DeSantis has agreed to assist Trump’s campaign in some capacity.
Having not communicated since before the 2024 primary cycle, Trump and DeSantis decided to break the silence between them. The Trump campaign aims to leverage DeSantis’s robust donor network, which remains influential within Republican circles, according to sources cited by the Post.
In contrast to former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, who continued her primary campaign until after the Iowa caucuses and the New Hampshire polls closed, DeSantis suspended his bid immediately after Iowa and endorsed Trump.
The reunion was facilitated by mutual acquaintance and Florida real estate broker Steve Witkoff, who reached out to the Trump campaign to facilitate the reconnection between DeSantis and Trump.
In a video message, DeSantis expressed his belief that a majority of Republican primary voters are inclined to give Donald Trump another opportunity. He highlighted Trump’s presidency, which he feels was impeded by constant resistance, and ongoing legal battles waged by Democrats.
Trump has demonstrated a willingness to reconcile with former critics within the Republican Party, indicating a lack of animosity towards those who rejoin the movement.
When contacted for comment on the report, Newsmax reached out to DeSantis’s communications director Bryan Griffin via email but had not received a response at the time of reporting.
