Trump adviser hits DeSantis’s VP commentary: ‘You sad little man’

Trump adviser Chris Lacivita has slammed Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) over speculation about the former president’s search for a running mate, calling his former Republican rival a “sad little man.”

Mr. DeSantis told supporters in a call Wednesday that Mr. Trump should not play “identity politics” over his running mate. NBC News reportedafter the former president decided on the shortlist for the ticket.

“Chicken fingers and pudding cups are what your sad little man remembers,” LaCivita said Wednesday in an interview on DeSantis on X (formerly Twitter).

The remarks referenced Mr. DeSantis’ embarrassing moments during this year’s presidential campaign, when he failed to meet high expectations in his challenge to Mr. Trump.

According to NBC News, Mr. DeSantis supported Mr. Trump as presidential candidate after he withdrew from the primary, but was particularly critical of the former president during their phone conversation.

The Trump campaign responded by criticizing DeSantis again and dismissing his concerns.

President Trump’s press secretary, Caroline Leavitt, told NBC: “Ron DeSantis lost the presidential election and has no say in choosing the next vice president.” “Ron should focus on what he can do to get shots off instead of taking cheap shots from far away.” [President] Joe Biden and Make America Great Again. ”

Mr. Trump’s list of running mates includes three former Republican candidates: Sen. Tim Scott (RS.C.), entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, and Mr. DeSantis. He also joined Congressman Byron Donald (R-Fla.), South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem (R), and a former Hawaii House member who served in Congress as a Democrat but has since turned to more conservative views. Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard has confirmed her participation in the race. running.

The former president acknowledged Tuesday that “they are” on his shortlist, but did not say when he would announce his running mate. He said, “Those guys are all good people. They’re all solid.”