Trump vs. DeSantis: Friends, Rivals, or Enemies?

Donald Trump and Ron DeSantis were once political allies, but as the 2024 presidential election looms, their relationship has shifted from partnership to rivalry. DeSantis, once a Trump loyalist, positioned himself as the future of the Republican Party—only to see his presidential campaign struggle against Trump’s dominance.

This love-hate dynamic has defined Republican politics in Florida and beyond. What led to their falling out? Can DeSantis ever escape Trump’s shadow? And what does their rivalry mean for the GOP’s future?

The Rise of DeSantis: Trump’s Favorite Governor

Ron DeSantis wasn’t always a household name. Before becoming Florida’s governor in 2019, he was a little-known Congressman with strong conservative views but limited national presence.

That changed in 2018 when DeSantis won Trump’s endorsement in the Florida governor’s race. Trump’s backing catapulted him to victory, helping him defeat a better-funded GOP primary opponent.

As governor, DeSantis embraced Trump’s political style, adopting his combative rhetoric and attacking “woke” policies, COVID-19 restrictions, and the media. Trump, in turn, praised DeSantis, calling him one of the best Republican governors in America.

But as DeSantis’ national profile grew, so did tensions between the two.

2022: The Moment Things Changed

By the time 2022’s midterm elections rolled around, DeSantis had become a political powerhouse in his own right. His landslide re-election victory in Florida—winning by nearly 20 points—made him look like the future of the Republican Party.

Many conservatives started eyeing DeSantis as a 2024 contender, especially as Trump faced mounting legal troubles and blame for the GOP’s underwhelming midterms.

Then came the ultimate insult—DeSantis refused to publicly declare loyalty to Trump for 2024. While most Republicans were quick to say they would support Trump, DeSantis stayed silent.

This set off a chain reaction that turned their cold war into an open conflict.

Trump vs. DeSantis: Trump Turns on DeSantis

Feeling threatened, Trump went on the attack, launching an aggressive campaign to undermine DeSantis before he could even announce his presidential run.

Trump’s Key Attacks on DeSantis:

• Nickname Smears: Trump branded DeSantis “Ron DeSanctimonious,” a nickname meant to portray him as arrogant and disloyal.
• COVID Criticism: Despite previously praising DeSantis, Trump attacked his handling of the pandemic, calling it “overrated.”
• Poll Domination: Trump crushed DeSantis in early 2024 polling, leading by 30+ points even before DeSantis launched his campaign.
• Personal Attacks: Trump mocked DeSantis’ personality, claiming he lacks charisma and calling him “awkward” in social settings.

DeSantis initially avoided hitting back, hoping to win over Trump’s base without alienating him. But as his campaign struggled, he was forced to go on the offensive.

DeSantis Fights Back (But Fails)

By mid-2023, DeSantis officially entered the race, trying to present himself as a Trump alternative without the baggage. His pitch was simple:

• He delivered on conservative policies without distractions.
• He fought against “woke” culture in Florida.
• He was electable, unlike Trump, who lost in 2020 and was entangled in lawsuits.

But DeSantis’ strategy never caught fire.

Why DeSantis Struggled Against Trump:

1. Trump’s Grip on the GOP: Despite legal troubles, Trump’s base remained loyal. Many Republicans saw attacks on Trump as attacks on themselves.
2. Lack of Charisma: DeSantis struggled to connect with voters. Unlike Trump, who thrives on crowd energy and viral moments, DeSantis’ speeches felt scripted and stiff.
3. Campaign Missteps: His campaign burned through money, fired staffers, and constantly reset messaging—a sign of weak strategy.
4. Too Much Focus on Culture Wars: While attacking Disney and banning books played well in Florida, it didn’t resonate nationally the way DeSantis hoped.

By early 2024, DeSantis’ poll numbers collapsed, and Trump became the undisputed frontrunner.

Does Trump Still Need DeSantis?

Despite their bitter feud, Trump might still need DeSantis in some way.

DeSantis’ Florida Machine

Florida is one of the most important swing states in presidential elections. With DeSantis still in charge, his political infrastructure could help or hurt Trump’s general election chances.

If Trump alienates DeSantis too much, he risks losing some Florida Republicans. If they reconcile, DeSantis could help deliver Florida, as he did in 2020.

A Possible VP Pick?

While unlikely, some have speculated that DeSantis could be Trump’s running mate. But given their animosity, this seems improbable—especially since Trump prefers loyalists who don’t challenge him.

Future GOP Influence

Even if DeSantis lost the 2024 primary, he’s still young. If Trump loses in 2024, DeSantis could position himself for 2028 as the next GOP leader. However, if Trump wins and remains dominant over the party, DeSantis may struggle to reclaim momentum.

What Their Rivalry Means for the GOP

The Trump-DeSantis feud isn’t just about two men—it represents a larger battle for the future of the Republican Party.

Trump’s Wing:

• Populist, nationalist, and anti-establishment
• Focused on “America First” policies
• Willing to attack traditional GOP leadership

DeSantis’ Wing (or What It Could Have Been):

• More policy-driven conservatism without the chaos
• Focused on “woke” culture wars rather than Trump’s personal grievances
• More electable in general elections (at least, in theory)

For now, Trump’s wing has won. The question is whether it lasts beyond 2024 or if DeSantis (or someone like him) takes over in the post-Trump GOP era.

Final Thoughts: Where Do They Go from Here?

The Trump-DeSantis relationship has transformed from loyalty to rivalry to outright hostility. Trump remains the dominant force in Republican politics, while DeSantis’ failed 2024 campaign has left him politically bruised.

The bigger picture? Trump has cemented his grip on the GOP, but if he loses in 2024, the party will need a new leader. Whether DeSantis can ever reclaim that role—or if another conservative figure rises—is the next great question for the Republican Party.

One thing is clear: The battle for the soul of the GOP is far from over.