President Trump praised Florida Governor Ron DeSantis on Tuesday, shifting from the biting personal attacks seen in last year’s race to a more amicable tone during their visit to the “Alligator Alcatraz” in the Everglades.
“10 out of 10—maybe 9.9,” Trump said about their current rapport while touring a facility set to be utilized for deportations.
DeSantis, who played a prominent role in the 2024 GOP Presidential Primary, discussed plans for a new facility designed to encourage “self-deportation” in the challenging wetland environments.
During a roundtable event inside the new detention center, Trump remarked, “You know, Ron and I had a really great relationship.” His comment seemed to hint at a larger reconciliation.
He humorously noted, “We took a few days off,” referring to the tumultuous months marked by their rivalry, given Trump’s 79 years and DeSantis’ 46.
The two met in spring 2024 after DeSantis experienced a significant defeat in the GOP primary, but today marked a notable step towards rebuilding their relationship, moving beyond just a few rounds of golf at a White House event.
Looking forward, the dynamic between Trump and DeSantis remains interesting, especially with the upcoming gubernatorial election. While some Trump supporters rally behind Rep. Brion Donald, DeSantis, who is term-limited, has floated the idea of his wife, Casey, as a potential successor.
When asked about supporting Casey DeSantis for governor, Trump chose not to comment.
The “Wannial Catraz” detention facility is characterized by large tents and chain-link fences separating bunk bed sections. DeSantis has been urging other states to follow Florida’s lead in establishing similar facilities, drawing parallels to his approach in managing the COVID-19 crisis, saying, “it’s like a monoclonal antibody on steroids.”
