'Lol no spine': Internet criticizes Florida Gov Ron DeSantis for privately planning fundraiser for Trump

HOLLYWOOD, FLORIDA: Florida Governor Ron DeSantis reportedly announced his intention to assist in raising funds for the 2024 presidential campaign of Donald Trump during a private event held last weekend.

According to three sources familiar with the matter, Governor DeSantis disclosed the plan to his supporters and donors at a private gathering on Saturday at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in South Florida.

“He did say it in front of a group of people at the Hard Rock,” a DeSantis advisor shared with reporters.

According to NBC News, the individual emphasized that when DeSantis ended his presidential bid in January, he pledged to support Republicans across all levels, "including for the presidency."

What prompted the change within the Florida Governor’s heart towards Trump?

Governor Ron DeSantis’ comments followed a period of political contention with former President Donald Trump, both before and after the Governor's withdrawal from the GOP presidential primary race.

It is yet to be seen whether the former President and his team would seek Governor DeSantis' assistance in their efforts or view him as an ally, though the Governor did endorse Trump in January.

A fundraiser in attendance at the Hard Rock event noted that many of the bundlers present are likely to follow Governor DeSantis' lead and initiate fundraising efforts for the former President.

“I would say the majority in the room would now be willing to help Trump,” a DeSantis bundler who was at Saturday’s event said.

In an interview on Wednesday, Texas businessman Roy Bailey, who co-chaired DeSantis' national finance advisory group, stated that he intends to help Trump in raising money, just as he did in 2020.

“I will follow the governor’s lead and I will do anything that he or President Trump ask me to do to help him win this election,” Bailey claimed.

“I know where there are DeSantis supporters all over Texas and all over the country that will want to help President Trump. So that’s what I’ll try to make happen,” he remarked.

A Trump campaign adviser admitted that they were unaware that DeSantis was going to begin soliciting donations for them, but added that "everyone should be working towards defeating Joe Biden and electing President Trump."

On the same day as former President Trump's biggest fundraiser of the election cycle, Governor DeSantis held the donor retreat in Southern Florida.

DeSantis and Trump had been steadfast political allies, with Trump's endorsement helping DeSantis become governor of the Sunshine State in 2018.

However, as DeSantis began considering a 2024 presidential bid, the relationship between the two men soured quickly, and during the latter part of DeSantis' campaign, both sides were at each other’s throats on a regular basis.

The potential for Governor Ron DeSantis' financial assistance could prove to be advantageous for former President Donald Trump, who has been trailing incumbent President Joe Biden in fundraising efforts.

DeSantis' finance committee is composed of prominent fundraisers with extensive networks and connections that could potentially aid in raising funds for the 2024 presumptive GOP nominee.

Emil Henry, the CEO of Tiger Infrastructure Partners, was a member of DeSantis' national finance board. Other notable members of the finance committee included Republican donors John Childs, Jay Zeidman, and Bob Giuffra.

The $50.5 million raised by the Trump campaign team at investor John Paulson's residence, will be used for the 77-year-old's presidential campaign, the Republican National Committee, and over a dozen state party committees.

In comparison, Biden's campaign team and a collection of Democratic committees raised over $90 million in March alone. Trump and the Republican party have acknowledged that they are likely to face a financial disadvantage throughout the 2024 election cycle.

Internet trolls DeSantis for intending to raise funds for Trump's campaign

One X user remarked, "lol no spine."

Another user claimed, "DeSantis now wants to start preparing for the next election after this election. He will sell his soul to do it."

Another user said, "He, and so many other republican politicians, have no self respect." [sic]

One user wrote, "Meatball Ron...These people has no self esteem, decency or morals." [sic]

Another X user quipped, "Who is helping DeSantis? Lol"

One more user tweeted, "All aboard the MAGA Train!"

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.