Trump and DeSantis Meet Privately to Discuss Fundraising and Mend Fences

Former President Donald Trump and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis met privately for several hours in Miami, Florida on April 28, 2024, in a meeting arranged by real estate chairman Steven Witkoff. The meeting was an effort to 'bury the hatchet' between the two Republicans despite their bitter contest in the presidential primary.

DeSantis agreed to help Trump, now the GOP's presumptive presidential nominee, to close his fundraising gap with President Biden. DeSantis will tap into his donor network to raise significant sums of money for Trump's general election campaign. Trump and allied groups have lagged behind Biden and his allies in fundraising so far.

The meeting was the first time Trump and DeSantis had spoken or met in person since Florida's governor ended his White House bid in January after a disappointing second-place finish in the Iowa caucuses. DeSantis had been playing golf at the Shell Bay Club when he agreed to have breakfast with Trump at Witkoff's request. Witkoff, who has relationships with both men, is hosting a fundraiser for Trump in Miami next Sunday.

Why this matters: The meeting between Trump represents a significant step towards unifying the Republican party ahead of the 2024 presidential election. By working together on fundraising, they aim to bolster Trump's campaign against Biden and improve GOP prospects in November.

While Trump's team and political orbit previously expressed disdain for DeSantis during the primary, the former president may be more forgiving if it benefits him politically. Allies of both men say it is advantageous for them to come together for the 2024 campaign and beyond. DeSantis is widely viewed as weakened after losing to Trump in the primary, and continuing to have a strained relationship with him could be untenable, particularly as the Florida governor eyes his political future and a potential 2028 presidential bid.

Key Takeaways

• Trump and DeSantis met privately for hours to 'bury the hatchet' after bitter primary.
• DeSantis agreed to help Trump raise funds for the general election against Biden.
• This was the first meeting between Trump and DeSantis since DeSantis dropped out of the GOP primary.
• The meeting represents a step towards unifying the Republican party for the 2024 election.
• DeSantis is seen as weakened after losing to Trump, and a continued strained relationship could be untenable.