Former President Donald Trump didn’t hold back when asked about the possibility of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis running for the White House in 2024.
Trump, the only Republican to announce a campaign, said it would be a “huge betrayal” if the governor challenged him.
Trump held campaign events in New Hampshire and South Carolina on Saturday and later sat down with The Associated Press for an interview.
The outlet points out that the number of potential challengers is growing, including Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, former Vice President Mike Pence and former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley.
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Trump specifically commented on DeSantis, taking credit for his victory in 2018 by endorsing him in Florida.
“If he runs, that’s fine. I’m up in the polls,” Trump said. “He’s got to do what he wants to do, but he can run.” I think it was a huge act of infidelity because, you know, I entered him. He had no chance. His political career was over.
Trump told the outlet that he had not spoken to DeSantis in a long time.
DeSantis has not announced his intention to run in 2024 at this time, but there is a swell of support from Republicans who don’t want to see another Trump candidacy.
Trump beat DeSantis by 17 points in a Morning Consult poll released earlier this month. In this week’s poll, President Trump is up 35 points against his closest challenger, DeSantis.