AP Photo/Evan Vucci
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis received accolades from Donald Trump months after DeSantis said the former president praises “worthless” politicians who “kiss the ring.”
On Monday, Trump boasted of DeSantis’ endorsement for president despite previous animosity stemming from DeSantis’ decision to challenge him for the GOP nomination. As he did with opponents in 2016, Trump belittled fellow Republicans who stood in his way. The former president referred to the governor as “Ron DeSanctimonious” and accused him of disloyalty because Trump had endorsed him for governor in 2018.
Just before the Iowa Caucuses in January, DeSantis ripped Trump.
“You can be the most worthless Republican in America,” the governor said. “But if you kiss the ring, he’ll say you’re wonderful.”
DeSantis eventually dropped his bid and endorsed Trump, who on Monday decided his ring had been sufficiently kissed.
“I am very happy to have the full and enthusiastic support of Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida,” the former president wrote on Truth Social. “We had a great meeting yesterday… The conversation mostly concerned how we would work closely together to MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN. Also discussed was the future of Florida, which is FANTASTIC! I greatly appreciate Ron’s support in taking back our Country from the Worst President in the History of the United States. November 5th is a BIG DAY!!!”
Last year, the New York Times reported that Trump privately referred to DeSantis as “Meatball Ron” in what was either a jab at his physique, his Italian heritage, or both. Trump denied the report.
“All of the Fake News is reporting that I spend large amounts of my time coming up with a good ‘nickname’ for Ron DeSanctimonious, who is obviously going to give the presidential ‘thing’ a shot,” Trump wrote. at the time, before DeSantis declared his candidacy.
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