MANCHESTER, N.H. — Firebrand Rep. Matt Gaetz appealed for Republican unity while lamenting the feud between former President Donald Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis during the 2024 cycle.
Gates (R-Fla.), speaking in front of a crowd of Trump supporters at his New Hampshire campaign headquarters, responded to a question from an attendee about whether the party could achieve unity after a painful primary season. He lamented the friction between them.
“I think that's the question. I'm glad you're the first. You can't win when you're divided, so this is a operational question,” Gaetz responded at a press conference.
“We're already against big media, big tech, big government, a lot of big donors, big corporations,” he continued. “If we unite, we will become more.”
His remarks came before DeSantis resigned and endorsed Trump on Sunday.
Gaetz was quick to endorse Trump over his home state governor in the 2024 race for Republican leadership.
Trump and DeSantis had a heated confrontation during the campaign, with the 45th president heaping negative criticism on the governor.
Recently, President Trump has begun to focus his spears and arrows on former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley.
DeSantis initially insisted he would remain in the race until the Feb. 24 South Carolina primary.
“I remember the good old days when Ron DeSantis was transition chairman. He and President Trump worked very well together,” Gaetz added.
“I don't like it when mom and dad fight.”
Gaetz used the open house to urge Trump supporters to focus on New Hampshire.
“They're going to try to eliminate the Democrats, and Bernie Sanders could vote for Nikki Haley in the New Hampshire primary. He probably will,” he joked.
In the Granite State, Trump is up at 50.3%, followed by Haley at 34%. According to the latest RealClearPolitics tally..
New Hampshire's contest will be held next Tuesday.
