In a recent development, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis unequivocally ruled out the possibility of becoming Donald Trump‘s vice president. Addressing supporters in a 30-minute Zoom call, DeSantis dismissed the speculation, emphasizing, “People were mentioning me [as his vice president]. I’m not doing that.” This statement came amid heightened interest after Trump, in a Fox News town hall, hinted at considering DeSantis for the role.
The Florida governor, who suspended his 2024 presidential bid last month, took the opportunity to criticize the manner in which Trump and his team are vetting potential vice presidential candidates. DeSantis expressed concern over what he perceived as a shift towards identity politics in the selection process, stating, “I have heard that they’re looking more in identity politics. I think that’s a mistake.”
Despite previously ruling out the role of Trump’s running mate during his presidential campaign, DeSantis faced renewed speculation after Trump’s recent comments. However, DeSantis made it clear that he is not actively seeking the position and observed that some individuals seem to be “auditioning for it.”
Karoline Leavitt, a spokeswoman for Trump, swiftly responded to DeSantis’s comments, asserting that “Ron DeSantis failed miserably in his presidential campaign and does not have a voice in selecting the next vice president of the United States.”
During the Zoom call, which drew over 200 participants, mostly recruited delegates for the Republican National Convention, DeSantis addressed the attempts by Trump and his allies to undermine him during the presidential campaign. Downplaying the attacks, he attributed them to former allies with an “ax to grind,” specifically mentioning Susie Wiles, a former top Trump aide dismissed by DeSantis in 2019.
The governor acknowledged the frustration stemming from conservative media’s coverage of Trump during the primary. He criticized these outlets, stating, “I think he could shoot someone on Fifth Avenue and the conservative media wouldn’t even report on it that it had happened. I mean, that’s kind of where we’re at.” This remark highlights DeSantis’s belief that certain conservative media failed to provide critical coverage of Trump.
While DeSantis endorsed Trump after suspending his own presidential campaign, he has not actively campaigned for the former president. The governor, however, did not rule out the possibility of a presidential run in 2028, stating, “I think a lot happens in politics,” as per ABC News.
In conclusion, Ron DeSantis’s firm rejection of being Donald Trump’s vice president, coupled with his criticism of the vetting process and conservative media coverage, adds a new layer to the political landscape. The governor remains focused on his political future, leaving the door open for a potential presidential run in 2028, while navigating the complexities of his relationship with Trump and addressing attacks from former allies.
