(Headline USA) Former President Donald Trump dismissed reports about a growing feud between himself and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, saying that he has a “very good relationship” with the governor.
“I think Ron said last week publicly, ‘The press is never going to get in the middle of my friendship with Donald Trump. We are not going to do that stuff,'” Trump told Fox News. “He said it very strongly. I thought that was very interesting and very nice. He said that, and I agree 100%. I have a very good relationship with Ron and intend to for a long time.”
There has been “absolutely” no bickering between himself and DeSantis, Trump added, saying he thinks DeSantis has done “a terrific job” as governor.
An Axios report last week alleged that Trump has been complaining about DeSantis to his close allies, calling the governor “dull” and wondering why he hasn’t yet ruled out a 2024 bid.
Both DeSantis and Trump are considered 2024 frontrunners, though neither has formally announced his intentions to run for the presidency.
Trump’s former chief of staff Mark Meadows said this week that DeSantis will not run against Trump if Trump does decide to enter the race.
“This is the party of Trump. This will continue to be,” he said. “It’s [Trump’s] decision on whether he runs for president or not, but I can tell you, if he does, it won’t be Ron DeSantis challenging him. It will be the media trying to create this conflict that obviously is not there.”
DeSantis also dismissed the rumors of a feud with Trump, calling them clickbait.
“I think this is what the media does,” DeSantis said during a recent interview.
“You cannot fall for the bait … You know what they’re trying to do, so just don’t take it. Just keep on keeping on,” he continued.
“We need everybody united for a big red wave in 2022,” DeSantis said. “We’ve got to fight the left, and not only fight, but beat the left. And that’s what we’re doing in Florida.”
