Trump Contemplates DeSantis as Potential 2024 VP Pick: Open to Ideas but Yet to Decide
Former President Donald Trump is reportedly mulling over the possibility of choosing Florida Governor Ron DeSantis as his vice-presidential candidate for the 2024 elections, according to RadarOnline.com.
Despite previous tensions between Trump and DeSantis, Trump's campaign team is allegedly encouraging him to consider the Florida governor for the VP role in a bid to secure the Republican nomination in the upcoming presidential election. Although Trump is reportedly "listening" to his team's advice, he has yet to make a decision.
A source close to the situation informed Page Six, "Some of his supporters are suggesting he make a deal with DeSantis to make him VP, and he’s listening, but hasn’t agreed." The insider added, "Supporters say the VP offer would stop DeSantis from opposing [Trump] and offer a 'youthful conservative vigor' to the slot, which Biden doesn’t have. DeSantis would also bring in big money to the campaign."
DeSantis has not officially declared his intention to run for president in 2024, but reports suggest he plans to do so by the end of May. The source who spoke to Page Six also revealed that DeSantis is contemplating delaying his presidential bid until 2028 and is currently "testing the waters" in regard to a potential White House run.
According to the insider, "DeSantis wants to raise money and test the waters, but what he really wants to do is run in 2028 after Trump wins or loses – with him or without him. It’s early days, but some donors are pushing for a partnership."
A recent poll showed that 58% of Republican primary voters would support Trump in the upcoming election, with only 21% indicating they would back DeSantis if he decided to run.
The news about Trump considering DeSantis as his potential vice president for the 2024 ticket emerged shortly after Trump expressed disappointment with the Florida governor during a Newsmax interview with host Greg Kelly. Trump said, "Look, right now, I’m very down on him. I’m very disappointed in him because I’m a loyal person, maybe to a fault."
Referring to DeSantis' potential run against him, Trump continued, "You know, I mean, life shouldn’t have to work that way, but it does, and that’s OK, too."