The annual Florida GOP summit, a significant event in the Republican calendar, was marked by a notable clash between two prominent figures in the party: former President Donald Trump and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. Both are considered potential contenders for the 2024 presidential race.
Trump, who was the main attraction of the event, took the opportunity to criticize DeSantis, likening him to a 'wounded falling bird'. He accused DeSantis of disloyalty for considering a run for the presidency, a position Trump himself is rumored to be eyeing. Trump's remarks were met with enthusiastic applause and chants of his name, indicating his continued influence within the party.
DeSantis, on the other hand, chose not to mention Trump during his speech. Instead, he highlighted his conservative policy wins in Florida and emphasized his leadership skills. Despite being the most powerful GOP official in the state, DeSantis' speech received a more muted response compared to Trump's. It was also noted that strong DeSantis backers for 2024 were hard to find at the summit, with many attendees expressing a preference for Trump.
In a show of political muscle, Trump announced the endorsement of seven Florida state lawmakers, five of whom had previously endorsed DeSantis. DeSantis dismissed these endorsements as politics as usual and pointed out that he still outpaced Trump in state legislative endorsements in Iowa and New Hampshire.
The summit was also attended by other 2024 presidential hopefuls, including former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson, Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina, and businessman Vivek Ramaswamy. Notably, former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley was absent from the event.
Asa Hutchinson, another GOP presidential candidate, faced a hostile reception at the summit. He was booed after stating there is a 'significant likelihood' that Trump will be found guilty of a felony next year, a situation he warned could negatively impact the Republican party's chances in future elections.