Florida Governor Ron DeSantis Suspends Presidential Campaign, Endorses Donald Trump
In a surprising turn of events, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has suspended his Republican presidential campaign just before the New Hampshire primary. Not only did he end his 2024 White House bid, but he also endorsed his bitter rival, former President Donald Trump. This decision leaves Trump and former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley as the last major candidates remaining in the race, intensifying the stakes for the upcoming primary.
DeSantis, in a video posted on social media, announced his decision to suspend his campaign and endorse Trump. He acknowledged that a majority of Republican primary voters want to give Trump another chance and expressed his commitment to honor the pledge he made to support the Republican nominee. However, DeSantis did not refrain from taking a swipe at Haley, calling her representation of “warmed-over corporatism” that the party cannot go back to.
Haley, speaking at a campaign stop in Seabrook, New Hampshire, commented on DeSantis’ decision and wished him well. She acknowledged that it is now a two-person race between her and Trump.
DeSantis’ decision to suspend his campaign comes after a significant loss in Iowa, where he was defeated by Trump by a staggering 30 percentage points. Despite entering the race with major advantages and a strong position in early primary polls, DeSantis struggled to find his footing and faced multiple challenges throughout his campaign.
The decision to suspend his campaign was not made overnight. DeSantis’ allies revealed that private discussions had been ongoing since Iowa to determine the best way for him to exit the race gracefully. The Florida governor personally notified top donors and supporters of his decision through phone conversations and text messages. His campaign had experienced a roller-coaster weekend, including canceled events and miscommunications with DeSantis’ super PAC. Physically worn out from weeks of campaigning without any time off, DeSantis made the ultimate decision to endorse Trump.
This endorsement marks a significant moment in the bitter rivalry between DeSantis and Trump. Despite their disagreements on certain issues, such as the coronavirus pandemic and Anthony Fauci, DeSantis recognizes that Trump is superior to the current incumbent, Joe Biden. It is a stunning moment for DeSantis, who has endured relentless taunting from Trump over the past year. Trump’s team, which includes former DeSantis staffers, has mocked the governor’s eating habits, personality, and even accused him of wearing high heels.
DeSantis’ departure from the race has also shifted the focus to Haley. Some doubt her chances of becoming the Republican nominee, with key DeSantis supporter Rep. Chip Roy stating that she will not be the president of the United States. Trump’s campaign wasted no time highlighting the pressure on Haley to win in New Hampshire and presented her with two options: unite behind Trump or face embarrassment in her home state of South Carolina.
Both DeSantis and Trump addressed the news of his departure at separate campaign events. Trump expressed his appreciation for DeSantis, calling him a “really terrific person” and stating that they will work together to win the general election. Meanwhile, DeSantis’ dejected supporters gathered privately in a Manchester restaurant where he was scheduled to speak.
The suspension of DeSantis’ campaign and his endorsement of Trump have shaken up the Republican race just before the New Hampshire primary. With Haley as the remaining major candidate, all eyes are now on her as she faces the pressure to perform well in this crucial contest. The outcome of the primary will determine the future direction of the Republican Party and its chances of defeating Joe Biden in the general election.
