Ron DeSantis surprises Trump with cheeky gold coin as he arrives for Florida campaign rally

President Donald Trump arrived at Southwest Florida International Airport in Fort Myers on October 23 ahead of a campaign rally at Florida Gulf Coast University's Alico Arena. The visit was part of his efforts to support Republican candidates ahead of the November 3 midterm elections, including Rep Byron Donalds, who is running for Florida governor.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis greeted President Donald Trump on the tarmac at Southwest Florida International Airport on October 23, shortly after Air Force One landed. Trump was visiting Fort Myers for a campaign rally at Florida Gulf Coast University ahead of the November 3 midterm elections. The airport greeting brought the two Republicans together for another public appearance following their contentious 2024 presidential primary battle.

Trump and DeSantis were once close political allies, with Trump endorsing DeSantis during his successful 2018 Florida gubernatorial campaign. Their relationship soured when DeSantis challenged Trump for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, prompting months of sharp exchanges. DeSantis eventually withdrew from the race in January 2024 and endorsed Trump, opening the door to a more cooperative relationship.

Back on the Fort Myers airport tarmac, DeSantis had something more than a handshake waiting for Trump. The Florida governor told reporters that a friend had created a special gift and that he had requested one specifically for the president. Trump responded warmly to his former rival, reportedly describing DeSantis as a "great guy."

The surprise was a gold-colored coin featuring an image of Trump raising his middle finger, accompanied by the provocative inscription "YOU MISSED B**CHES." The wording appeared to reference the assassination attempts against Trump during the 2024 presidential campaign. DeSantis displayed the coin to reporters, turning a routine airport welcome into an unusual political encounter.