Trump downplays rumors of tension with DeSantis, claims 'very good relationship'

Former President Donald Trump addressed reports of rising tensions between himself and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Thursday, saying there was “absolutely” no bickering ahead of a possible clash in the 2024 Republican presidential primaries.

"I think Ron said last week publicly, 'The press is never going to get in the middle of my friendship with Donald Trump. We are not going to do that stuff,'" Trump said to host Sean Hannity on Fox News. "He said it very strongly. I thought that was very interesting and very nice. He said that, and I agree 100%. I have a very good relationship with Ron and intend to for a long time."

The former president even praised DeSantis’s performance as governor, saying he was doing a “terrific job.”

Mark Meadows, Trump’s final White House chief of staff, also downplayed reported tensions when he told Newsmax Tuesday that DeSantis is “smart enough to know that this is the party of Trump.”

Trump and DeSantis are the two most popular Republicans in the country and seen as frontrunners for the GOP nomination in the 2024 presidential election.

Axios reported that Trump had called DeSantis an ingrate with “no personal charisma and a dull personality” behind closed doors.

Trump was also irritated “that Ron DeSantis won’t say he won’t run [in 2024],” according to Axios. Several others have ruled out running or said they would support Trump if he runs, like Nikki Haley, South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, and Sens. Marco Rubio (R-FL), Tim Scott (R-SC), and Josh Hawley (R-MO).

Trump remained noncommittal on 2024, but would be “very active” in this year’s midterm elections.