Florida Politics

Bob Vander Plaats Says Trump 'Deserved to Lose' His Endorsement

Share

Last week, Family Leader CEO Bob Vander Plaats endorsed Governor Ron DeSantis (R-FL) in his 2024 Presidential campaign, which drew ire from the camp of former President Donald Trump as he seeks reelection, to the point of accusing the faith leader of being paid to endorse the Florida Governor. Vander Plaats struck back against the remarks in a recent appearance on The Blaze's Steve Deace Show, saying they were "beyond the pale" and that Trump "deserved to lose [his] endorsement."

After the Vander Plaats endorsed Gov. DeSantis, Trump called the move "sheer desperation" on the latter's part, alleging the latter paid Vander Plaats $100,000 to make the move.

"Ron DeDeSanctimonious, in an act of sheer desperation, paid Iowa preacher Bob Vander Plaats $100,000, and then got his Endorsement? We did not seek it. What is going on here?" said Trump on Truth Social.

On the Steve Deace Show, Vander Plaats snapped back, "When you come out against me, and by extension, the Family Leader, and say that we are pay-for-play, we are bought and paid for, and this is how we do business, that is just beyond the pale."

Additionally, he said this incident reveals Trump's character because it comes out under pressure. In this case, he and Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds (R) both came out to support DeSantis.

"You completely throw them under the bus. You call them names just because they do not bow the knee to you? That is not leadership. And then, because I do not endorse you, you throw me under the bus, my family under the bus, as well as our ministry because we do not bow the knee? That tells me more than ever that this [Republican] Party and this country need to choose well," Vander Plaats continued.

Moreover, he said plenty of people he knew said they did not wish their children or grandchildren to grow up into a person like Trump, which he called "a big deal."

"Trump deserved to lose my endorsement. Matter of fact, I never endorsed him," Vander Plaats concluded, "but he proved he was not worthy of the endorsement of me, of the ministry, and by extension, the broader body. And I believe we will rise up and send a message on January 15th, because I think [voters] are seeing through this as well. This is smoke and mirrors. This is not the leadership our country needs."

Grayson Bakich

Florida born and raised, Grayson Bakich is a recent recipient of a Master’s Degree in Political Science at the University of Central Florida. His thesis examined recent trends in political polarization and how this leads into justification of violence.

Recent Posts

Byron Donalds Says Florida Primed to be the 'Financial Capitol of the World'

DORAL—During a political breakfast fundraiser hosted by the Miami-Dade Republican Executive Committee, gubernatorial candidate Rep.…

13 hours ago

Gov. Greg Abbot Thanks Florida, DeSantis Following Deadly Texas Floods

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott thanked Florida and Gov. Ron DeSantis on Thursday for the state's…

15 hours ago

Trump Admin Pushes Back on Accusations of Poor Conditions at 'Alligator Alcatraz'

A prominent outlet of President Donald Trump's administration, Rapid Response 47, pushed back on accusations…

15 hours ago

Salazar Requests Trump Sanction Brazilian Judge

US Representative Maria Elvira-Salazar (R-FL) has requested President Donald Trump impose sanctions on Brazilian Supreme…

1 day ago

Luna Says Democrats 'Don't Care About Illegals,' Says Rhetoric is 'Propaganda for Midterms'

Representative Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL) did not mince words in dismissing Democratic rhetoric about illegal…

2 days ago

Last Squeeze🍊—7.11.2025—Alligator Alcatraz—Miami-Dade—'Defund the Police'—Much More...

Florida Lawmakers Sue DeSantis in State Supreme Court to get Alligator Alcatraz Entry Five Florida…

2 days ago