Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis recently shared with donors and supporters at a special event that he plans to assist in fundraising for his former presidential opponent, Donald Trump. Two sources who were present at the event disclosed this information to CNN.
One of the attendees, Texas businessman Roy Bailey, mentioned, "He's dedicated to supporting Trump in every possible manner. We are eager to follow his guidance and do whatever it takes to help Trump win the election."
Bailey expressed the importance of energizing donors to support Trump and prevent Biden from being reelected.
The appreciation retreat took place at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida. It was organized for significant donors, top fundraisers, and finance committee members of the DeSantis campaign. Both DeSantis and his wife, Casey, were present at the event. Interestingly, the retreat coincided with the announcement of a remarkable $50.5 million raised by the Trump campaign during a fundraiser at Mar-a-Lago.
After ending his presidential campaign in January, DeSantis backed Trump in the Republican primary. However, he has not made any public appearances with the former president during campaign events. During a press conference in Florida in March, DeSantis was asked about joining Trump on the campaign trail. He highlighted that Florida was no longer a competitive state.
DeSantis stated, "Florida won't be a battleground state in November, that's the reality. So, I don't expect much campaigning here for the top of the ticket." He also mentioned his willingness to assist on a national level, although he was unsure of the specifics.
NBC News was first to report that DeSantis plans to help fundraise for Trump.
Editor's P/S:
The news of DeSantis's plan to assist in fundraising for Trump underscores the Republican Party's ongoing struggle to reconcile with the former president. While DeSantis has been a vocal supporter of Trump's agenda, his decision to actively engage in fundraising efforts suggests a deepening alliance between the two politicians. This move could have significant implications for the 2024 presidential election, as Trump remains a polarizing figure within the GOP and the country as a whole.
Additionally, DeSantis's decision to focus on fundraising for Trump rather than making public appearances with him points to a strategic calculation. By avoiding joint campaign events, DeSantis can maintain a certain level of distance from Trump's more controversial statements and actions while still signaling his support for the former president's policies. This approach allows DeSantis to appeal to Trump's base while also presenting himself as a more moderate and electable candidate should he choose to run for president in the future.