MIAMI.- The governor of Florida, Ron DeSantis, would be preparing to financially help former President Donald Trump, which marks a significant change in the political relationship of both Republican leaders, according to AP sources.
Two people familiar with the matter, who spoke on condition of anonymity, revealed that DeSantis will begin fundraising efforts for Trump in the coming weeks, aligning with a commitment he made during a recent meeting with the former president.
Although the details of the fundraising efforts have not yet been finalized and are subject to possible change, DeSantis has already initiated contacts with donors.
According to sources, the Florida governor’s financial team is developing a schedule that will include stops in both Florida and Texas.
Trump-DeSantis relations
The move signals a notable political reconciliation between DeSantis and Trump, who had heated exchanges during the race for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination.
Trump’s insults, calling DeSantis “DeSanctimonious,” clashed with the Florida governor’s arguments that the Trump era of politics was over.
However, DeSantis appears to be extending an olive branch by tapping into his extensive fundraising network, a strategic maneuver that could pay off if he harbors presidential aspirations in 2028, when Trump would be ineligible to run due to constitutional term limits.
“Commitment to Trump”
Roy Bailey, a prominent Dallas investor and former co-chairman of DeSantis’ national finance committee during his presidential campaign, praised the governor’s commitment to Trump.
“He has demonstrated his commitment to the president and that is why I say we will follow his lead, and that is why I think donors will follow his lead,” Bailey said.
Although Bailey stopped short of confirming fundraising plans, he highlighted the potential value of tapping into past DeSantis donors who have not yet contributed to Trump’s campaign.
“We will focus on past DeSantis donors who have not yet donated to President Trump. We’re going to try to leverage those donors for him. That will create a lot of value,” Bailey said.
As DeSantis takes steps toward strengthening Trump’s financial arsenal, political observers are eagerly anticipating the ramifications of this growing alliance on the Republican landscape, particularly ahead of the upcoming November elections and beyond.
