Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and former President Donald Trump spent several hours together on Sunday morning discussing fundraising for the upcoming 2024 general election, sources familiar with the meeting revealed.
The meeting was initiated by DeSantis and organized by real estate investor Steve Witkoff, a longtime Trump supporter. The Washington Post was the first to report on the meeting.
DeSantis, who was golfing at the Shell Bay Club in Hollywood, Florida, agreed to have breakfast with Trump during the gathering, according to insiders.
This meeting marks the first interaction between the two men since DeSantis suspended his presidential campaign in January and endorsed Trump in a video message. DeSantis has not actively campaigned for Trump following the end of his own presidential aspirations.
The Republican primary was marked by intense rivalry between the two candidates and their respective campaigns, despite Trump ultimately securing the Republican nomination.
DeSantis' strong fundraising network may prove beneficial for the former president, who is currently behind his general election opponent, President Joe Biden, when it comes to fundraising. During an April donor retreat in Florida, DeSantis assured attendees that he would assist in raising funds for Trump and other Republicans running for office, as reported by a fundraiser present at the retreat.
During a private call with supporters of his campaign in February, DeSantis expressed concerns that Trump and Republicans could face being outspent 3-to-1 this year, according to a participant in the call.
When asked about the possibility of a presidential run in 2028, DeSantis mentioned that he has not ruled anything out, stating, "It's presumptuous to say this or that. I think a lot happens in politics."
