Watch Trump Bask in the Glow of DeSantis Endorsement: The Name ‘Ron DeSanctimonius’ is Officially Retired!
Former President Donald Trump has reacted to news of Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) quitting the presidential race.
In a statement to Fox News digital, Trump accepted the support of the man many believed would be his chief rival for the 2024 GOP presidential nomination.
“Very honored to have his endorsement,” Trump said. “I look forward to working together with him to beat Joe Biden, who is the worst and most corrupt president in the history of our country.”
Trump went on to speak to supporters in Manchester, New Hampshire — in video shared by progressive media watchdog Ron Filipkowski. In his brief remarks, the former president called DeSantis a “very capable person.”
Trump makes his first remarks to supporters in NH about Desantis dropping out. pic.twitter.com/z5giYRIVmj
— Ron Filipkowski (@RonFilipkowski) January 21, 2024
In additional footage posted by a Trump campaign spokesperson, Trump was asked whether he plans to continue using the nickname “Ron DeSanctimonious.”
“That name is officially retired!” Trump said.
“That name is officially retired! – President @realDonaldTrump says of DeSanctimonious pic.twitter.com/Nrzx2JxSmA
— Margo Martin (@margommartin) January 21, 2024
The former president’s statements run counter to much of his rhetoric towards the Florida governor during the campaign. Trump notably, at one point, referred to as “Meatball Ron.” He also attacked his genitalia and his wife, and even amplified memes accusing him of being a pedophile.
Despite the highly personal insults he’s received from Trump over the past year, DeSantis endorsed the former president Sunday immediately after dropping out of the race.
“While I’ve 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,” DeSantis said in a video announcing his endorsement. “That is clear. 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.”
