Trump calls Ron DeSantis a ‘friend’ after years of GOP clashes and 2024 presidential rivalry

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump is calling Florida Governor Ron DeSantis a “friend” in a striking contrast to the years of public attacks that defined one of the Republican Party’s most closely watched rivalries.

“Ron’s good. He’s a friend of mine,” Trump said. The comment quickly drew attention because of the pair’s long history of clashes. It also comes as Trump was asked whether the Florida governor was in the "mix to be attorney general."

Trump praises Ron DeSantis for naming an airport after him

Speaking on the New York Post's 'Pod Force One' on Tuesday, June 2, Trump offered unusually warm words for the Florida governor.

“Ron’s good. He’s a friend of mine. He just named an airport after me,” the president said. 

Trump was referring to the decision to rename Palm Beach International Airport after him, a move approved by Florida lawmakers last month.

“They named the Palm Beach International Airport the Donald J Trump International Airport,” Trump said before adding, “That’s a great honor.”

The remarks stood out because Trump and DeSantis spent years at odds as both emerged as dominant figures within the Republican Party.

Their relationship became one of the GOP’s most talked-about political feuds, particularly as DeSantis rose to national prominence and was viewed by many Republicans as a potential challenger to Trump’s influence.

Trump weighs Ron DeSantis for attorney general

Trump’s comments came after he was asked whether DeSantis could become the next US attorney general.

The president said the governor is “very good” but noted that he has “never talked about” wanting the position.

Instead, Trump signaled satisfaction with the current leadership at the Justice Department.

He added that he is pleased with the work acting Attorney General Todd Blanche has done so far.

The exchange marked another notable departure from the rhetoric that once defined Trump’s approach toward DeSantis.

During earlier periods of tension, Trump publicly questioned DeSantis’ political standing and repeatedly targeted him as the governor’s national profile grew within Republican circles.

Trump backs Todd Blanche for attorney general

Trump’s comments about DeSantis came as he also expressed confidence in acting Attorney General Blanche’s future at the Justice Department.

When asked if Blanche would be ⁠the US attorney general, the president said, “I think he will.”

“I wanted to see how he’s received … and he’s done a very good job,” he added. 

At a White House event on Wednesday evening, Trump announced, “We are going to make him [Blanche] permanent attorney general.” The POTUS said he planned to formally submit his nomination on Thursday.