The 44-year-old Governor is readying for a high-stakes fight with the 76-year-old Trump, both of whom are vying for supremacy within the GOP.
Trump, who has solidified his standing as a significant contender for the Republican nomination, has been increasingly critical of his erstwhile ally, Governor DeSantis, since he launched his presidential campaign last November.
Interpreting Trump's unremitting criticisms as a sign of anxiety over his chances, DeSantis told "Good Morning NH," "I think a lot of what he's doing is showing everybody that he understands that I've got a good chance to beat him." According to DeSantis, Trump's focus on criticizing him alone underscores the belief that DeSantis poses a formidable threat to his chances of securing the GOP nomination. "Because he doesn't criticize anybody else now, it's only me. They wouldn't do that if they didn't think that I had a chance," DeSantis continued.
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DeSantis further alleged that Trump had shifted his political stance to the left in his attempts to undermine the Florida Governor's campaign. He accused Trump of contradicting his previous positions on critical issues, including immigration amnesty and federal spending, stating, "I think, honestly, some of his attacks against me — he's moving to the left."
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Highlighting what he considers inconsistencies in Trump's criticisms, DeSantis pointed to the former President's past support for an immigration amnesty, which DeSantis has always opposed. "And I did oppose it because I don't support amnesty," he affirmed.
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Further addressing Trump's critique, DeSantis raised the issue of excessive federal spending during Trump's presidency. "He also attacked me for voting against one of the bloated omnibus spending bills that he supported as president. And I agree — I don't think you should do those bloated bills," DeSantis countered, citing the significant national debt during Trump's tenure.
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DeSantis's retort to Trump's criticisms did not end there. He boldly asserted that the United States needed a leader who could commit to two terms in office, implying that Trump, having already served a term, was ill-suited for the task. "I don't think you can handle all of these issues that we're going to need to do … without two terms. I think you need to be able to serve two terms. I think that's very important," he proclaimed.
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Despite the exchange of barbs, Trump has shown no signs of relenting. In response to DeSantis's campaign launch, which was marred by technical glitches, Trump took to Truth Social, mocking the Florida Governor's shaky start. He scornfully posted, "Wow! The DeSanctus TWITTER launch is a DISASTER! His whole campaign will be a disaster. WATCH!"
With the presidential race heating up, the fierce rivalry between Trump and DeSantis presents a dramatic, intra-party clash that may well shape the future direction of the Republican Party.
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