- Florida governor Ron DeSantis defends Trump against criminal charges, calling them political persecution.
- DeSantis is expected to be Trump’s main rival for the Republican nomination for president in 2024.
- DeSantis's show of support was in line with other Republican presidential hopefuls who have criticised the Manhattan district attorney.
- The indictment is likely to boost Trump's polling numbers among the Republican grassroots and energise small-dollar donations.
- Recent polls show 57% of Americans think criminal charges should disqualify Trump from running for president again.
Ron DeSantis falls in line with Republicans in closing ranks behind Donald Trump
Florida governor’s support for ex-president marks latest twist in fraught calculus over how to position himself
Lauren Fedor
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