Former President Donald Trump and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis had a private meeting in Miami on Sunday morning, marking a significant turn in their relationship. The encounter, which lasted several hours, was brokered by allies with the aim of easing the tension between the two Republicans following a contentious primary season, according to people familiar with the matter who spoke on the condition of anonymity.
The meeting’s objective was to explore a potential détente between Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee for the 2024 presidential election, and DeSantis, his one-time chief primary rival. Trump’s advisers are hopeful that DeSantis will leverage his extensive donor network to help raise substantial funds for the general election. Despite Trump’s popularity among a portion of the Republican base, his fundraising efforts have trailed behind those of President Joe Biden and his allies.
DeSantis agreed to help Trump during the meeting, which a source described as friendly. DeSantis, known for his wide network of wealthy patrons, could play a crucial role in assisting Trump’s campaign in closing the fundraising gap with Biden. Additionally, DeSantis’ support could be valuable in appealing to Republican voters who might be fatigued by Trump’s controversies.
The meeting was orchestrated by Steve Witkoff, a Florida real estate broker known to both Trump and DeSantis. Witkoff reached out to Trump’s team to arrange the meeting, suggesting that there could be common ground between the two politicians.
DeSantis’ motivation to build a closer relationship with Trump stems from his own political future. After a disappointing finish in the primary, which led to his withdrawal from the race, DeSantis is widely seen as politically weakened. A strained relationship with Trump could hinder his future ambitions, especially if he plans to run for president again in 2028.
