'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

The president ran three different polls asking users to choose a new name for AI: “Super Intelligence,” “Extreme Intelligence” and “Supreme Intelligence”
2026-10-27T20:05:39.000Z
Trump’s remarks about Minnesota’s election drew criticism from Democratic leaders, including Sen. Tina Smith (D-Minn.), who accused the president of “laying the groundwork” to “steal” the election
2026-10-27T19:02:52.000Z
In a letter written to Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs, the Department of Justice (DOJ) said it has identified 1,500 votes cast by more than 400 people in previous elections
2026-10-27T17:21:36.000Z
The contentious battle between conservationists and Trump came to limelight earlier this month when judge Reyes rebuked government attorney for claiming they were unaware that trees had been removed from the park
2026-10-27T15:20:48.000Z
Donald Trump offered no evidence for his claim as Flavio Bolsonaro challenged the results despite Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's four-million-vote lead
2026-10-27T07:48:55.000Z
Robert F Kennedy Jr criticized Arab societies at a Mike Rogers rally, claiming they no longer contribute to science or literature
2026-10-27T07:05:42.000Z
Maurene Comey challenged her July 2025 dismissal after a decade as a federal prosecutor, arguing it violated constitutional protections
2026-10-27T05:08:42.000Z
Vice President JD Vance blamed global conflicts for rising gas prices, defending Donald Trump’s energy agenda and calling for increased domestic production
2026-10-27T05:05:26.000Z
Donald Trump linked rising 401(k) balances to renewed admiration from wives as he campaigned for Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith in Mississippi
2026-10-27T04:27:52.000Z
The Heritage Foundation recorded 1,600 voter fraud cases in 40 years, while the Justice Department charged 28 California green card holders
2026-10-27T03:15:50.000Z