It would be interesting if the GOP split into 3 quarreling factions: the DeSantis-led natcons, the Trump loyalists, and the anti-Trump but conspiratard right.
By Peter Weber The Week
Former President Donald Trump has been privately fuming about Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) for months, irked that DeSantis hasn’t said “the magic words,” that he won’t run for president in 2024 if Trump does, The New York Times reports. “That long-stewing resentment burst into public view recently in a dispute over a seemingly unrelated topic: COVID policies.”
Trump hit first, slamming “gutless” politicians won’t say if they got boosted against COVID-19, widely seen as a jab at DeSantis. Days later, DeSantis went on the popular conservative podcast Ruthless and urged listeners not to “fall for the bait” from “the media” about him and Trump feuding. But moments later he told the podcast hosts he regretted not being more vocal in opposing COVID-19 restrictions when Trump was president.
Trump tells visitors DeSantis wouldn’t be governor without his endorsement, and thus owes him deference like other 2024 hopefuls, Times reporter Jonathan Martin told CNN on Monday. DeSantis, second to Trump in 2024 GOP polling, disagrees.
