'Time to move on': Internet rejoices as Trump retires 'Ron DeSanctimonious' nickname after Florida Gov endorses him

CONCORD, NEW HAMPSHIRE: In an interesting turn of events on Sunday, January 21, former President Donald Trump officially retired his distinctive 'DeSanctimonious" nickname for Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. The decision came after DeSantis announced the suspension of his 2024 presidential bid earlier in the day, pledging his support to Trump.

The announcement by DeSantis marked a significant shift in the GOP presidential primary landscape, just days before the New Hampshire primary scheduled for Tuesday, January 23. With DeSantis stepping aside, former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley emerges as the sole primary challenger to Trump in the race.

During a campaign stop in New Hampshire on Sunday, Trump confirmed the retirement of the "DeSanctimonious" moniker, stating, "You said, ‘Will I be using the name Ron DeSanctimonious.’ I said that name is officially retired."

A video shared on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, captured Trump's remarks to a group of supporters.

End of political rivalry

The nickname was originally coined by Trump ahead of the 2022 mid-terms, amid rumors that DeSantis was considering a GOP challenge to the former president. Despite DeSantis dismissing the nicknames as "petty" and "juvenile" during his campaign, Trump's announcement marked the end of a chapter in their political rivalry.

DeSantis, once seen as the most formidable rival to Trump, had a stunning rise and fall in the presidential race. His decision to suspend the campaign followed a second-place finish in Iowa.

“Following our second-place finish in Iowa, we’ve prayed and deliberated on our way forward,” DeSantis said in a video message posted on X. “If there was anything I could do to produce a favorable outcome, more campaign stops, more interviews, I would do it. But I can’t ask our supporters to volunteer their time and donate their resources if we don’t have a clear path to victory. Accordingly, I am today suspending my campaign.”

“It’s clear to me that a majority of Republican primary voters want to give Donald Trump another chance,” the governor continued.

“While I have had disagreements with Donald Trump such as on the coronavirus pandemic and his elevation of Anthony Fauci, Trump is superior to the current incumbent Joe Biden. That is clear.” 

DeSantis also took a swipe at Nikki Haley, signaling his support for Trump. “I signed a pledge to support the Republican nominee and I will honor that pledge. He has my endorsement because we can’t go back to the old Republican guard of yesteryear. A repackaged form of warmed-over corporatism that Nikki Haley represents," the governor concluded.

Despite launching his bid with support from GOP campaign veterans, DeSantis struggled to gain traction against Trump. Technical glitches during his Twitter Spaces launch and criticism over his personality on the campaign trail contributed to his challenges, The Hill reported.

Internet reacts to Trump retiring DeSantis' nickname

Social media buzzed with reactions following Trump's retirement of the 'DeSanctimonious' nickname. 

"That's it. No more name-calling after they drop out and endorse President Trump. Time to move on and win in Nov 2024," one posted on X.

"President Trump is a class act and saying what he needs to in order to try and unify the Republican Party," another wrote.

"Time for everyone in this party to get behind Trump. We have a country to save!" someone else chimed in.

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.