MIAMI — Gov. Ron DeSantis and former President Donald Trump appear ready to put aside their disagreement in the Republican presidential primaries — for real this time.
The two Florida Republicans met Sunday morning in Miami to discuss how to work together during the general election, according to six people familiar with the meeting who were granted anonymity to speak freely.
The Washington Post was the first to publish this meeting.
The meeting was hosted by Florida real estate broker Steve Witkoff, multiple people confirmed to POLITICO. A Trump campaign official said it was a “good meeting scheduled at the request of Governor DeSantis.”
Three DeSantis donors texted POLITICO to say they thought the two men's approach to making peace was "smart."
DeSantis told his most loyal donors at a Hollywood retreat this month that he would raise money for Trump's campaign, Politico first reported. The Republican governor has proven to be an incredible fundraiser during his 2022 re-election campaign, raising a record amount of more than $200 million. He then invested much of this money in a political action committee for his presidential failure.
“This is a tremendous development and it makes perfect sense for Trump, DeSantis and all Republicans,” said Roy Bailey, who was one of three finance directors for DeSantis' presidential campaign. "the rule. DeSantis had a very strong volunteer fundraising team, and if we can communicate that and help Trump, that's what we need to do — and we want to do it. "It's important that we all come together and row in the same direction."
This pivotal turn of events could help repair the relationship between the two men after a particularly brutal primary, during which Trump often attacked the governor personally and repeatedly tried to make an appearance in Florida, the state they both live. Making adjustments could also help raise DeSantis' profile, including the role he will play in the 2024 general election and the Republican convention in Milwaukee.
Trump has shown the ability to weather some of his fiercest battles with his enemies, but it is unclear whether those involved in Trump's political operation will be as forgiving in the long run, as several officials, including Susie Wales, have worked for DeSantis in the past.
Trump and DeSantis worked together when the former president was in the White House, and Trump took credit during the primaries for helping DeSantis become governor in 2018. He has often said he feels blinded by what he saw as a lack of gratitude from DeSantis for his support.
DeSantis kept his promise to support Trump for president after he withdrew in January, but quickly criticized his former rival's electability and criticized him for using "identity politics" in selecting his running mate.
Trump has been tough in return, including supporting the Florida candidates — who won't be elected until 2026, DeSantis' final year in office before his term expires. Trump even urged Republicans to hold a primary against Rep. Laurel Lee, the only Republican member of the Florida delegation who supported DeSantis over Trump.
DeSantis previously said he did not expect to campaign with Trump in Florida because the Republican-leaning state is not competitive — and Trump's campaign responded that it was undesirable. DeSantis has often criticized Trump for his political record as president, including on the Covid pandemic and immigration, and criticized Trump for criticizing the six-week restriction on abortion that he signed into law. But the governor demurred two weeks ago when Politico asked him if he thought Trump should say how he would vote on the abortion referendum scheduled before Florida voters in November.
DeSantis has not ruled out a run for president in 2028 and appears to be making peace with Republicans and others he has fought with. For example, Walt Disney World settled its lawsuit against the governor after the governor appointed a friend as designated administrator of the California-based company to oversee his taxing district, ending a two-year dispute.
DeSantis also met privately with donors to express his appreciation for their support, a move widely seen as an attempt to recast and recast his character after it was perceived that he had failed to express gratitude to supporters for his success .