The Governor, who was once in a political tussle with Trump, has now expressed his intent to assist in fundraising efforts for the former President's campaign.
The private retreat took place at South Florida's Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, where DeSantis shared his decision with donors and supporters. "He did say it in front of a group of people at the Hard Rock," a DeSantis adviser confirmed to NBC News. The adviser further clarified that DeSantis had committed to backing Republicans across the board, including presidential candidates, when he withdrew his bid for the presidency.
This shift in DeSantis' stance follows a period of political friction with Trump, which persisted even after the Florida Governor exited the primary race in January. Despite endorsing Trump earlier this year, it remains uncertain whether Trump and his team are keen on DeSantis' support or alliance.
INTERESTING WATCH: RFK TALKING TO GLENN BECK ON WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM
The fundraiser attendees at the Hard Rock, many of whom are bundlers, are expected to follow DeSantis' lead and commence fundraising for Trump. "I would say the majority in the room would now be willing to help Trump," a DeSantis bundler present at the meeting revealed.
WATCH: WE NEED MORE DAD'S LIKE THIS
Texas businessman Roy Bailey, a former co-chair of DeSantis' national finance advisory board, confirmed his intent to resume fundraising for Trump, as he did in 2020. "I will follow the governor's lead and I will do anything that he or President Trump ask me to do to help him win this election," Bailey stated.
WILL HARVEY WEINSTEIN'S RETRIAL ACTUALLY EVER HAPPEN?
A Trump campaign adviser, unaware of DeSantis' fundraising plans, emphasized that "everyone should be working towards defeating Joe Biden and electing President Trump."
The day of DeSantis' donor retreat coincided with Trump's most significant fundraiser of the cycle, which reportedly raised $50.5 million. The two politicians, once allies due to Trump's endorsement of DeSantis' gubernatorial campaign in 2018, had a public falling out when DeSantis considered running against Trump in 2024. This discord was further fueled by personal rivalry and public disparagement from both sides.
UNIVERSITIES HAVE LOST THEIR WAY, ARE THEY THE ROOT OF THE PROBLEM?
Despite the past animosity, Trump could benefit from DeSantis' support, given his lagging fundraising compared to President Joe Biden. DeSantis' finance committee, comprising fundraisers with extensive networks, could significantly boost Trump's campaign funds.
RUSSIA'S AERIAL ASSAULTS MET WITH UKRAINE'S DRONE RESPONSE
Members of DeSantis' national finance board include Emil Henry, CEO of Tiger Infrastructure Partners, and prominent Republican donors John Childs, Jay Zeidman, and Bob Giuffra. The Trump campaign's recent announcement of raising a record $50.5 million at a single event, hosted by investor John Paulson, indicates the potential financial resources at Trump's disposal.
WATCH: GREEN PARTY'S JILL STEIN LANDS IN JAIL AFTER DRAMATIC CLASH WITH POLICE
However, Trump and the Republicans acknowledge the likelihood of a financial disadvantage throughout the 2024 cycle, especially considering Biden and various Democratic committees' fundraising prowess, which amassed over $90 million in March alone.
Discover alternative ideas that will make you think
Engage in mind bending debate
Earn points, rise in rank, have fun
