Trump, DeSantis Hold Private Miami Meeting Post-Primary
Former President Donald Trump and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis held a private meeting in Miami, representing their first significant interaction since a heated GOP primary that saw DeSantis exit the race. This encounter, arranged by Trump's longtime friend and real estate developer Steve Witkoff, potentially signals a reconciliation between the two Republican figures. During the primary, DeSantis had endorsed Trump but refrained from joining any subsequent campaign events.
The meeting's agenda included discussions on fundraising for the general election, with Trump reportedly seeking to tap into DeSantis's extensive donor network. DeSantis, having a wide base of wealthy patrons and enjoying popularity among certain Republican voters, could prove vital for Trump's campaign, which has been trailing in fundraising efforts.
While the two have had a strained relationship, marked by DeSantis's criticisms of Trump's team and a lack of campaign support following the primary, this latest development may suggest a shift towards a more collaborative dynamic. Speculation also surrounds DeSantis's political future and the potential benefits he could reap from aligning more closely with the former president. The meeting has also spurred discussions about vice-presidential candidacy, with DeSantis's name emerging alongside others as a possible running mate for Trump.
