Trump’s Embrace Of DeSantis Fuels Rumors About Gov’s Next Move
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is set to join President-elect Donald Trump at the Army-Navy game on Saturday, sparking speculation about his role within Trump’s orbit and his choice to fill an upcoming Senate vacancy.
“DeSantis has hardly been seen with Trump since launching his failed bid in the GOP primary, which earned him the Trump nickname ‘DeSanctimonious.’ Their bitter rivalry long over, DeSantis is a contender for a Cabinet position in the new Trump administration and is under pressure to appoint the president-elect’s daughter-in-law to fill the Senate seat Marco Rubio will vacate when he takes the job of Secretary of State,” The Washington Times reported.
“Everyone will be watching the two reunite at Northwest Stadium in Landover — home of the Washington Commanders — and wondering what it means for Mr. DeSantis’ political future,” the publication added.
“They actually have a pretty good working relationship now. Even though there is still hostility between Trump World and DeSantis World, I think Trump and DeSantis have totally buried the hatchet and get along very well personally,” said Will Chamberlain, a former advisor to DeSantis during his presidential campaign.
Ed Rollins, a GOP strategist who previously supported DeSantis, described the reunion as a high-profile event. “Trump is putting a team together and wants all the substantial people in the world. If he can pull in DeSantis and make it look like the two are no longer fighting and are basically going to be partners and doing a lot of stuff, it’s a good thing for both of them,” Rollins said.
After Rubio, a Republican, was tapped by Trump to serve as Secretary of State, DeSantis gained more influence within Trump’s inner circle. Under Florida law, the governor must appoint someone to complete the remainder of Rubio’s Senate term, which spans two years.
Trump’s allies are advocating for DeSantis to select Lara Trump for the role. Lara, married to Trump’s son Eric, co-chaired the Republican National Committee, which contributed to the GOP’s substantial victories in November. A Florida resident, she is reportedly considering the position.
However, insiders suggest that Trump’s team has not pressured DeSantis on this matter, and the governor has not commented publicly about it.
DeSantis is also reportedly weighing another candidate for the seat: Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody.
Earlier this month, Trump contacted DeSantis to gauge his interest in serving as Secretary of Defense if Pete Hegseth, the current nominee, fails to be confirmed. Hegseth has faced accusations of impropriety, raising doubts among some GOP senators, though he is expected to proceed with his confirmation hearing this week.
Looking ahead, DeSantis will be searching for his next political move when his term as governor ends in 2027. The 46-year-old, who is term-limited, is likely contemplating a 2028 presidential bid.
If he does pursue the presidency, DeSantis will face competition from J.D. Vance, who, by that time, will have completed a four-year tenure as Trump’s vice president and is expected to receive Trump’s endorsement.
However, as Rollins noted, “It’s not been a good place for vice presidents of late,” referencing the difficulty vice presidents often face when seeking the presidency—a feat last achieved by George H.W. Bush in 1988.
DeSantis also risks losing relevance in GOP circles after his governorship ends, which could complicate a future presidential run. Nevertheless, his Florida Freedom Fund, which has raised millions for conservative candidates, ensures he retains some political influence.
“Both DeSantis and Trump are going to do better with each other, whether the governor stays as governor or joins the administration,” said Florida GOP strategist Jamie Miller. “They are going to do better as a team. And it’s Trump’s team.”