DeSantis Endorses Trump, Analyzing Impact on GOP Nomination Process

Plymouth State University’s Dr. John Lappie analyzes the potential impact of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis suspending his presidential campaign and endorsing former President Donald Trump on the Republican nomination process. The meeting between the two rivals, orchestrated by Steve Witkoff in Miami, appears to be the first time they have spoken since DeSantis dropped out of the race after a disappointing second place finish in Iowa’s caucuses. While many within Trump’s team and wider political orbit detest DeSantis due to their past conflicts during the Republican nomination process, Trump may be more forgiving if it benefits him as he tries to close his fundraising gap with President Biden ahead of a potential rematch in 2024. During an earlier call with supporters after suspending his campaign, DeSantis criticized some individuals within Trump’s inner circle whom they had previously fired and accused them of having “an axe to grind.” However, since endorsing Trump, the governor has not actively campaigned on behalf of him. The article also briefly mentions a Cook County judge ordering Illinois State Board of Elections officials to remove former President Donald Trump’s name from their primary ballot but placing her order on hold until Friday for an appeal.