'It's over for you': Ron DeSantis slammed as he addresses Donald Trump's absence at CNN's fifth GOP debate

Ron DeSantis said, 'Donald Trump should be on this stage, he owes it to you, here in Iowa to explain this change he has had in his positioning'
Florida governor Ron DeSantis delivers his remarks against former President Donald Trump following his absence at fifth GOP debate (Getty Images)
Florida governor Ron DeSantis delivers his remarks against former President Donald Trump following his absence at fifth GOP debate (Getty Images)

DES MOINES, IOWA: CNN hosted the final GOP debate before the Iowa Caucuses which begin on January 15. In the five GOP debates, there has been one common factor, and that has been the absence of former President Donald Trump, despite him qualifying for all the debates, unlike Chris Christie and Vivek Ramaswamy who did not qualify for the CNN debate, which led to a face-off between Nikki Haley and Ron DeSantis.

During the debate, and on social media, the Florida governor has addressed Trump’s absence on the debate stage in Des Moines, Iowa, but he has not received the support on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Ron DeSantis addresses Donald Trump’s absence

On the debate stage, Ron DeSantis addressed Donald Trump’s absence and said, “Donald Trump should be on this stage. He owes it to you, here in Iowa to explain this change he has had in his positioning. To explain why he has a tough time saying whether a man can become a woman or not.”



 

He continued, “To explain why he wants to build a billion dollar plus big beautiful new FBI building right in the heart of the swamp in Washington DC. He needs to explain why he didn’t build the wall and why he added 7.8 trillion dollars to the debt.”

“Every candidate needs to earn your vote, nobody is entitled to your vote, and he comes here every now and then, he does his spiel, and then he leaves. I’ve shown up to all 99 counties because it’s important. You’re a servant of the people, you are not a ruler of the people, and that’s the type of President that I will be," declared DeSantis.

Internet reacts to Ron DeSantis’ remarks against Donald Trump

After Florida Governor Ron DeSantis shared his remarks on Donald Trump's absence at CNN's fifth GOP debate, the internet's response was prompt.

One user wrote, "He owes it to nobody. He has already paid his dues and was a great President," and another wrote, "And you should be in Florida. So disappointed in you."



 



 

"It's over for you, shut the f**k up," slammed one user, and another wrote, "The primary is over, much like your political career!"



 



 

One user wrote, "The primaries are the worst thing for the parties. We shouldn’t be ripping each other apart. Shameful," and another expressed, "Just drop out. You’ve blown what could have been a great political career."



 



 

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.

GET BREAKING U.S. NEWS & POLITICAL UPDATES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

President Trump credited his conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin last week with securing Stephen Hubbard's freedom
2026-10-21T16:00:01.000Z
Sean Spicer praised Katie Zacharia’s efforts to promote the admin's agenda, saying she did 'a great job of fighting for the America First agenda'
2026-10-21T06:34:10.000Z
Todd Blanche told Laura Loomer to find another target instead of attacking what he called one of the department’s best officials
2026-10-21T06:01:06.000Z
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky blamed the US and SpaceX for the service interruption
2026-10-21T05:40:22.000Z
Kimberly Guilfoyle is listed for corporate events, speeches, virtual appearances, fireside chats, and meet-and-greets
2026-10-21T04:51:07.000Z
A Trump adviser warned that 'everyone is fair game' if Republicans lose control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate
2026-10-21T03:57:03.000Z
Just a day before Trump’s comments, Vance said he expects Trump’s backing if he runs in 2028
2026-10-21T03:49:24.000Z
Donald Trump faced backlash over the Iran war as approval fell to 26%, while Mike Johnson urged him to end the fighting
2026-10-21T03:48:42.000Z
President Trump suggested Rep Ilhan Omar could face deportation or jail over alleged immigration issues while defending his new fraud whistleblower program during a tense Oval Office exchange
2026-10-21T03:05:52.000Z
Vivek Ramaswamy confirmed his campaign produced the ad featuring Amy Acton’s mother, calling it 'legitimate' and saying she was not paid
2026-10-21T02:14:09.000Z