A.G. Gancarski
The dynamic between President Donald Trump and one-time Primary opponent Ron DeSantis seems functional now.
But that wasn’t the case in 2023, when the Florida Governor tested Trump’s appeal in the race for the Republican Presidential nomination.
Recent days have found Trump golfing and breaking bread with the Governor and Casey DeSantis, as the First Couple attempts to get the President to soften his early endorsement of Rep. Byron Donalds for Governor.
But as a new book from AXIOS’ Alex Isenstadt reveals, reminders of a different time are never too far away.
“Revenge: The Inside Story of Trump’s Return to Power” contains two quotes worth excerpting ahead of Tuesday’s release.
The first involves a conversation between Trump and Vice President JD Vance, who endorsed Trump’s re-election in 2023.
“I’m going to squash this guy like a bug,” he told the Ohio Senator.
The second is also from 2023, and is yet another variation in Trump’s story of how DeSantis sought his endorsement during his first run for Governor.
“He was like a beggar. I could have said: ‘Drop to your f—ing knees, Ron,'” Trump told people on his personal plane.
If this material feels familiar, that’s because it largely is.
Trump was very clearly trying to fatally wound DeSantis, his former political protege, for having the temerity to test him and challenge his bid to win the Republican nomination for the third straight time. And the story of DeSantis begging for his endorsement was a mainstay at rallies.
Isenstadt only chronicles two of the greatest hits here, of course.
Trump called DeSantis a “globalist,” a “groomer,” and a “RINO,” while mocking him for wearing “hidden heels.”
It’s hard to forget the oft-repeated “Ron DeSanctimonious” as well.
Ultimately, the only insult that was out of bounds for being “inappropriate” was “Meatball Ron.”
15 comments
S.L. Abuk
March 17, 2025 at 7:56 am
The purpose of this story seems to be to sell a book.
FL4ever
March 17, 2025 at 8:40 am
Agree
Ds are in full panic mode.
The DeSantis’ were the President’s guest a few weeks ago. Time marches on.
Let’s start here and move forward.
POTUS regularly criticized Marco Rubio, now look at that relationship.
Rex
March 19, 2025 at 1:54 pm
Yep, DeSantis didn’t even get it as much as Rubio or Cruz, who are both his major allies now. Trump understands that in politics as in business you regularly bring the same people into the fold that may have been at your throat earlier depending on the situation. Effeminate Dems don’t get that which is why they bled so many independents like Tusli and RFK to Trump.
Paul Passarelli
March 17, 2025 at 8:54 am
The purpose seems to be to spew bile.
MH/Duuuval
March 17, 2025 at 11:01 am
You MAGAs probably already know how DJT thinks and talks.
He’s a very rich kid trying to be a tough guy, but succeeding only at being a bully of the first order.
Rex
March 19, 2025 at 1:51 pm
Based on the nonstop leftist screeching there appears to be a couple other things he’s succeeding it.
Debra Newton
March 24, 2025 at 8:58 am
I just received $6618 working off my Iaptop this month. And if you think that’s cool, my divorced friend has twin toddlers and made 0ver $15781 her first m0nth. It feels so good making so much money when other people have to work for so much less.
This is what I do… work43.marketingℱ
please don’t copy”ℱ” In Url Thanks
Paul Passarelli
March 17, 2025 at 8:55 am
Is there so much hate & fear of Ron DeSantis that this vitriol is somehow justified?
MH/Duuuval
March 17, 2025 at 11:02 am
Does the truth unnerve you?
LexT
March 17, 2025 at 9:19 am
I am pretty sure that this has been amended. Politics has always been mean and a “rough sport”. Trump did take that to another level. Trump had lost the previous election, so I think Trump should have assumed he would get a serious challenger. Honestly, it would have been a much closer race, had Democrat state attorneys not wrongfully sued Trump and turned Trump into a martyr. Desantis got out early and from all accounts put his weight behind Trump fully and quickly. I think this is over and I hope Trump has put this feud behind him.
MH/Duuuval
March 17, 2025 at 10:52 am
Groomer?
“It ain’t over until it’s over,” which translates in TrumpWorld to “until Trump and Wiles crash and burn.”
Trump has endorsed Byron the Sham Educator for Governor and there will be no DeSantis political dynasty at that level although Byron may find some make-work job for Mrs. D.
Speaking of Wiles: Duval’s biggest self-promoter Rory Diamond was at Trump HQ recently where he had an audience with Wiles. Will Wiles promote him subsequently to a Visit with The Man Hisself?
Michael K
March 17, 2025 at 11:05 am
Great insight into the personality and values of the current president.
Bill
March 18, 2025 at 8:52 am
Just months into his second term as our House rep and he’s neither been present here in Florida nor done a damned thing for his constituents. I guess failing forward is a thing so maybe he should be Governor. God knows he’s useless in his present position.
MH/Duuuval
March 18, 2025 at 12:42 pm
You’re just jealous because you have been called back to the office every day, while Dee gets to disport on the taxpayers dime.
Larry "B" Melman
March 18, 2025 at 6:34 pm
Good evening genteel posters above,
Dont you think we all should wait for Earl to weigh in with his guidance prior to making our own comments which Earl may not approve of?
My advice is let the Grand Master Earl guide us so we can speak truth to power with one big voice. The big voice of Earl.
Thank you,
Larry “B” Melman
Comments are closed.