For months, former President Donald Trump has privately voiced concerns to friends and associates at his Palm Beach estate about a growing Republican power centre nearly 400 miles north. His focus has been on Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, a man Trump believes owes much of his political success to his endorsement. However, DeSantis has been acting less like a loyal ally and more like a potential competitor—an issue that irks the former president.
DeSantis’ popularity within the Republican Party has surged, and he has yet to declare whether he would step aside should Trump run for president in 2024. The tension between the two came to the forefront in a public dispute over COVID-19 policies. After DeSantis declined to disclose his full vaccination history, Trump openly revealed he had received a booster shot. Shortly thereafter, Trump criticised “gutless” politicians who refuse to acknowledge their vaccination status, a remark widely interpreted as a jab at DeSantis.
On Friday, DeSantis retaliated by questioning Trump’s early pandemic response, expressing regret that he had not been more vocal in his opposition to initial lockdowns. This exchange reflects a broader shift within the Republican Party, where scepticism towards public health measures has grown stronger. Since Trump’s departure from office, the mistrust of health authorities he once amplified has only intensified.
The Growing Rift: Trump vs DeSantis
DeSantis’ rise in the party has come with an increasing reluctance to bend to Trump’s will, signalling a generational divide and a test of loyalty within the GOP. Trump has long demanded unwavering allegiance from Republican figures, but DeSantis’ refusal to offer complete deference has been noted by those who have built their careers through Trump’s backing.
| Key Metrics | Donald Trump | Ron DeSantis |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 Polling Position | Leading | Second Place |
| 2020 Election Stance | Claims Fraud | Silent |
| COVID-19 Approach | Pro-Vaccine (Anti-Mandate) | Anti-Restriction |
| Fundraising (for re-election) | N/A | $70 Million |
Republican donors and strategists see DeSantis as a formidable candidate, especially if Trump does not run. Dan Eberhart, a Republican donor, commented, “DeSantis is Trump but a little smarter, more disciplined, and less abrasive.”
Trump’s Response and Political Calculations
While Trump has refrained from publicly attacking DeSantis—unlike his usual strategy with political rivals—his private frustration has been well-documented. He has suggested that DeSantis would make an excellent vice-presidential pick, a tactic that has worked to neutralise competitors in the past. However, DeSantis has firmly resisted such overtures, determined to carve his own path in Republican politics.
Trump’s demand for loyalty serves as a warning to other Republicans: his endorsement comes with expectations. This dynamic is particularly crucial as he eyes another White House bid. Despite public fatigue within the GOP over Trump-related controversies—including the fallout from the January 6th Capitol riot and ongoing election fraud claims—Trump remains the dominant force in the party.
A Test of Political Survival
The Florida governor’s defiance was further highlighted in a recent interview where he reflected on the pandemic’s early days. DeSantis stated that he regretted not opposing Trump’s lockdown measures more aggressively. He also shifted blame onto Dr Anthony Fauci, a safer target among conservative circles. This calculated stance allows DeSantis to distance himself from Trump’s early pandemic missteps while maintaining his appeal to the party’s base.
Trump, for his part, has continued to assert the success of the vaccines developed under his administration. In a conversation with right-wing commentator Candace Owens, he dismissed conspiracy theories and stated, “The vaccine works.” This positioning, however, puts him at odds with the hard-line faction of his supporters, who remain sceptical of COVID-19 vaccinations.