- Donald Trump plans to attack Florida Governor Ron DeSantis on his handling of Covid-19 and the state's economy to bury DeSantis's expected presidential campaign before it begins.
- Trump aims to remind local officials how he turned some swing states red in 2016 and muddy up the brightest parts of the governor’s record.
- A new Wall Street Journal poll shows Trump gaining on his opponent, with 51% of support among Republican primary voters compared to 38% for DeSantis.
- Paid advertisements have assailed DeSantis for his support while in Congress of cuts to Medicare and Social Security, while Trump himself has mocked the governor in speeches, videos and social media posts.
- If Trump succeeds at weakening DeSantis politically — or even dissuading him from a run — the former president would establish himself as the presumed Republican nominee for 2024.
Trump Wants to End DeSantis’s 2024 Campaign Before It Even Begins
Former President Donald Trump is girding to take a swing at Florida Governor Ron DeSantis on the two things his chief rival is proudest of: his handling of Covid-19 and his state’s economy.
Nancy Cook
