Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has reportedly made clear his intentions to actively engage in fundraising efforts for Donald Trump’s potential presidential bid.
Insiders privy to the recent developments have disclosed to NBC News that DeSantis’ comments addressing a cohort of donors and supporters came during an exclusive retreat over the past weekend.
NEW: Ron DeSantis tells donors at private weekend meeting that he plans to fundraise for Trump: report
Good for the Governor. https://t.co/thNY607Jnc
— Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) April 11, 2024
“He did say it in front of a group of people at the Hard Rock,” one of DeSantis’ advisors, who was present at the gathering, affirmed to NBC.
The advisor emphasized that DeSantis had pledged to throw his weight behind Republican candidates across the board, including at the presidential level, upon withdrawing from the presidential race earlier this year.
Texas entrepreneur Roy Bailey, who formerly served as a co-chair of DeSantis’ national finance advisory board, echoed his commitment to aiding Trump’s fundraising efforts, mirroring his involvement in 2020.
“I will follow the governor’s lead,” Bailey asserted, “and I will do anything that he or President Trump ask me to do to help him win this election.”
This sentiment seemed to resonate with many bundlers in attendance, indicating their willingness to align with DeSantis’ directives, NBC reports.
BREAKING: Gov. Ron DeSantis told donors and supporters at a private retreat over the weekend that he plans to help raise money for former President Donald Trump’s presidential campaign, according to a source.
"He's committed to helping Trump in any and every way," said Texas… pic.twitter.com/naQZ6EiEKw
— Leading Report (@LeadingReport) April 10, 2024
DeSantis had thrown his weight behind Trump following his exit from the presidential race in January, citing the necessity of steering clear of what he characterized as a return to establishment politics embodied by figures like Nikki Haley
“He has my endorsement,” DeSantis stated, underscoring the urgency of a departure from the “old Republican guard.”
Trump’s campaign, however, appeared blindsided by DeSantis’ latest move, with a campaign advisor expressing surprise at the governor’s pivot towards fundraising for Trump. Nevertheless, the advisor emphasized the overarching goal of defeating President Joe Biden and reinstating Trump in the White House.
The symbiotic relationship between DeSantis and Trump has been longstanding, with Trump’s influential endorsement propelling DeSantis to victory in the gubernatorial race in 2018.
Tensions between the two figures escalated in the lead-up to the 2024 election, however, as speculation swirled regarding DeSantis’ potential presidential aspirations. The public rift culminated in reciprocal criticisms, with both camps engaging in verbal sparring.
DeSantis’ support could prove invaluable to Trump despite strained relations. Considering Trump stands to benefit from the Florida Governor’s extensive networks in mobilizing financial support.
I know it’ll piss people off, but I support DeSantis fundraising for Trump.
Look, I call out Trump’s shortcomings daily in hopes someone will wake him up and have him course correct, but that said, he’s infinitely better than the corrupt terror sympathetic vegetable in the WH.
— John Cardillo (@johncardillo) April 11, 2024
Noteworthy figures within DeSantis’ finance committee include Emil Henry, CEO of Tiger Infrastructure Partners, and prominent Republican donors such as John Childs, Jay Zeidman, and Bob Giuffra. Their involvement suggests a potential synergy between DeSantis’ fundraising apparatus and Trump’s reelection campaign.
DeSantis’ donor retreat notably coincided with Trump’s most lucrative fundraiser of the electoral cycle, which reportedly raked in a staggering $50.5 million.
Trump and Republicans alike have acknowledged the looming challenge of financial shortfalls throughout the 2024 electoral cycle. Despite setting a new fundraising record with the $50.5 million haul at John Paulson’s residence, Trump and his allies are bracing for a formidable fundraising juggernaut orchestrated by Biden and the Democratic establishment.
