'What a ride!': Ron DeSantis gets full meme treatment as he drops out of GOP race and endorses Trump

TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA: Florida Governor Ron DeSantis recently suspended his Republican presidential campaign on Sunday, January 21, a decision that has garnered attention on social media following the announcement.

Several social media users created memes that focused on the governor's choice of footwear, his contentious relationship with a media giant, namely, Disney, and his peculiar laugh, which was often the point of ridicule whenever he was onstage and in a jovial mood during the course of his presidential campaign.

Many memes highlight DeSantis's awkwardness, eccentricity, and preference for wearing boots that conceal lifts to enhance his height.

Additionally, some memes were centered around his dispute with Disney, which arose after the company opposed the governor’s anti-woke crusade, proposing to ban classroom lessons on sexual orientation and gender identity.

How did DeSantis become meme fodder during presidential campaign?

Shortly after Ron DeSantis suspended his campaign to become the Republican presidential candidate, social media users swiftly took to the platform to ridicule his dismal run.

Following his exit from the 2024 White House race, DeSantis publicly endorsed his adversary, Donald Trump, on Sunday afternoon, just days before the New Hampshire primary on January 23, per a report by the DailyMail.

Hours after his announcement, the trending topic on X was the nickname “Meatball Ron,” which former President Trump had mockingly attributed to the Florida Governor.

DeSantis has been under scrutiny for his fallout with Disney World and the GOP-dominated Florida Legislature.

The controversy arose when Disney publicly opposed a state law banning classroom lessons on sexual orientation and gender identity in early grades, which DeSantis had championed.

Governor DeSantis has faced challenges in connecting with voters and has been accused of being humorless and lacking personality and natural charisma.

The nicknames “Ron Desanctimonious”, “Meatball Ron,” and “Pudding-fingers” bestowed upon the Florida Governor by former President Donald Trump, further reinforced these perceptions.

The term “meatball” was a reference to DeSantis's physical appearance, hinting at a lack of social grace.

Additionally, it is to be noted that the use of the term “meatball” is a slur against Italian-Americans, a community from which all eight of DeSantis's great-grandparents hail.

Opponents of the Republican Florida Governor have previously alleged that DeSantis struggles with the practice of "grip and grin" politics, which involves politicians interacting with voters in person to gain their support.

At the onset of his presidential campaign, reports indicated that DeSantis and his team had stressed the need for more small talk, handshakes, and eye contact.

The Florida governor has also faced allegations of using lifts in his footwear to appear taller, a tactic commonly employed by American political candidates.

DeSantis denied these accusations, claiming that his Lucchese boots were standard and off the rack and that he is 5'11" tall.

However, shoe experts have come forward to assert that he did indeed use lifts to enhance his height.

These allegations have made DeSantis an easy target for political memes and attacks, including from former President Trump, who recently criticized DeSantis' footwear and predicted the end of his presidential campaign.

Trump said on January 11 at a campaign event, “His poll numbers have gone down to a level that he is going to be out of the race very soon. He's going to be out very soon. You know, I watched him last night, he is standing up with his shoes – his fancy shoes,” invoking a burst of laughter out of the attendance at DeSantis's expense.

Internet can't stop laughing at DeSantis despite end of his run for POTUS

People on X reacted to the memes flooding the interwebs since Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced the end of his presidential campaign on Sunday afternoon.

One X user remarked: "But oh what a ride it has been...right @RonDeSantis...an extravagant life funded by tax free MAGA contributions to his Super PAC."

Another user claimed: "Nicki Haley @NikkiHaley Dick Cheney in Lipstick and Heels NEXT!"

Another user wrote: "He could have made a more positive impact with a professional team around him. As soon as the money started flowing in, he was submerged in terrible advice by wannabe advisors. He handed over his political instincts to fools and paid for that."

One user quipped, "Ron “Puddin Fingers” DeeSantis"

Another X user remarked: "All over? DeSantis pulls out of the race Attention now turns to his base Now that he's gone Will it drift o'er to Don? Is it hopeless, the Hayleyian case?"

Finally, this user tweeted: ""Spectacular implosion!" Ron DeStupid proves you can't beat Fatboy Trump by kissing his @ss

!! Note to Nikki Haley: Really want to win? Stop kissing Trump's @ss!"

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.