FACT CHECK: Trump Camp Claims Rival’s OWN AD Used Trump’s Nickname Against Him — But Did It?
Former President Donald Trump claimed that his chief GOP rival’s own campaign ad featured a supporter using a Trump-coined nickname for Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) — but did it really?
The Trump campaign put out a memo — part of a series of daily “KISS OF DEATH” emails taunting DeSantis about his presidential bid’s misfortunes — alleging that “Even DeSanctus’ Own Commercial Calls Him DeSanctus”:
“If there was ever an example of President Trump being a marketing genius, the term DeSanctus has now permeated into Ron’s own commercial in Iowa.
At the 0:16 mark, the woman can be clearly heard saying ‘DeSanctus’ when describing the Florida governor.
President Trump is living rent-free in Team DeSanctus’ head that they unintentionally made fun of their own candidate because that is what’s considered normal for this election cycle.”
— Steven Cheung, Trump spokesperson
The memo goes on to cite some polls, then continues:
With 41 days to the Iowa caucuses, Ron is stuck in a free-fall, now holding THIRD place in Iowa and New Hampshire.
If the DeSanctimonians want any chance of keeping their high-heeled leader’s reputation intact, they should be honest with Ron, and urge him to remove his name from the ballot in Florida before the December 12 deadline.
It’s time to come to terms with reality, Ron. You’ll never be the GOP nominee, and you’ll never be president.
The ad, entitled “Iowans for Ron,” features people who identify themselves as former Trump voters who are switching to DeSantis:
VOTER 1: I definitely voted for for Trump in 2016 and 2020.
VOTER 2: But we’ve got to move on. Governor DeSantis has proven himself in Florida.
VOTER 3: That’s why I support Ron DeSantis, because he fights and he knows how to win.
VOTER 2: He knows the issue, told us how he’s going to handle the border.
VOTER 4: I believe that Ron DeSantis will get the economy on track because when Ron DeSantis says he’s going to do something, he does it.
VOTER 5: He’s drama free, an effective and proven leader.
RON DESANTIS: I’m Ron DeSantis and I approve this message.
Even with the power of suggestion, the woman in question clearly did not use the nickname.
Watch above via Ron DeSantis.
