Donald Trump has warned Florida Governor Ron DeSantis against running for president in 2024, saying doing so would hurt the Republican Party.
“I think he’s going to make a mistake. I don’t think the base is going to like it,” the former president told JEE News.
He also threatened to release baseless information about the 44-year-old without providing details.
Both men have been tipped to declare a presidential run and become possible rivals for the Republican nomination.
Mr. Trump’s comments came hours before Tuesday’s midterm elections that will decide control of Congress.
He dubbed the rising Republican star “Ron DeSanctimonious” at a rally over the weekend.
“I don’t know if he’s running. I think if he runs, he could hurt himself very badly. I really believe he’s going to hurt himself badly,” Mr Trump told. Can hurt.” “I don’t think it would be good for the party.”
If Mr. DeSantis were to declare for the presidency, Mr. Trump said he would “reveal things about him that would not be very flattering — I know more about him than anybody — except maybe his wife.” “.
He did not provide details – but Mr Trump has previously threatened to release damaging information about his rivals.
He later described his potential rival as “a good guy” and denied that there was any conflict between them. “There is no conflict with me, and I am ahead in the polls,” he said.
Mr. DeSantis is a relative newcomer to politics but rose to national prominence after becoming governor of Florida in 2019. He has positioned himself as a passionate champion of conservatism, and many see him as the most likely candidate to replace Mr. Trump.
According to Report, he is likely to defeat Democrat Charlie Crist and win re-election as Florida governor on Tuesday, giving him a platform to announce a 2024 presidential bid. can act as
Mr Trump – who is a resident of the state – told reporters gathered outside a polling station on Tuesday that he had voted for Mr DeSantis.
Mr. DeSantis has been tight-lipped about a possible presidential run, but speculation is rife. Meanwhile, Mr Trump said on Monday he would make a “huge announcement” on November 15.
