Florida Governor Ron DeSantis recently took a subtle jab at Representative Byron Donalds, as the congressman moves closer to announcing his bid for governor of Florida. DeSantis, a prominent figure in the Republican Party, expressed his concerns over the timing of Donalds’ potential run, especially given the ongoing work needed to advance the Trump agenda.
“My priority right now is supporting President Trump’s agenda. I expect our congressmen to focus on pushing through his policies,” DeSantis stated to reporters. “There’s still a lot left to do, and it’s critical that we work to implement his executive orders. Some of these congressmen are spreading themselves thin by campaigning elsewhere, and with such a narrow majority in Congress, I believe it’s crucial they stay focused.”
DeSantis underscored the significant progress made in Florida, especially in the battle against the left-wing policies that have plagued other states. “Florida has seen real success, and that’s a result of hard work. We need to see that same kind of success at the national level,” he said. He pointed out that Donalds has not played a role in the state’s victories, instead focusing his efforts on campaigning in other states.
DeSantis’s comments follow a strained relationship between him and Donalds that developed during the 2024 Republican primary. Donalds, who endorsed Trump over DeSantis during the race, has since become one of Trump’s strongest supporters. In fact, Trump recently urged Donalds to run for governor, praising him as a “great and powerful governor” for Florida.
While Donalds has not officially announced his candidacy, he has privately confided in Florida Republican donors that he plans to run. At the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), Donalds teased his gubernatorial ambitions, telling the crowd, “Stay tuned.” When asked about DeSantis’s endorsement, he responded, “It’s too early for that.”
It remains to be seen whether DeSantis will support Donalds if he moves forward with his campaign. But for now, the governor seems focused on making sure that Trump’s agenda is fully realized, and he’s looking for results from all members of the Republican Party.