Earlier this week, President Donald Trump (R) shared a shortlist of his possible choices for vice president. While some names were no surprise, others came as a shock to supporters. On the list was Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R), who was engaged in a high-profile rivalry with President Trump during the campaign. Governor DeSantis has turned down the idea of a Trump-DeSantis ticket, and he’s also not ruling out a possible 2028 presidential run.
The rivalry between President Trump and Governor DeSantis dates back to the 2022 midterm election. Though President Trump endorsed Governor DeSantis in his gubernatorial bid, the relationship soon soured and grew worse as the 2024 election season began to unwind.
President Trump argued that the governor was not loyal to him, and Governor DeSantis highlighted that President Trump did not keep his presidential promises. In the end, Governor DeSantis suspended his presidential campaign and endorsed President Trump over Ambassador Nikki Haley (R).
This week, during a press conference wherein he provided updates on his efforts, Governor DeSantis responded to a question about the possibility of launching another presidential bid.
“Of course. This country needs big change, it needs somebody that’s gonna go in there and get all this done, I was somebody that had the ability to do that, and I think we had to offer that to the folks,” he responded.
“Some people agreed with that in Iowa, but not enough agreed with it in Iowa,” Governor DeSantis added, referencing the Iowa Cacus.
In looking forward, the governor noted that “you have a right to throw your hat in the ring,” so he is not ruling out the possibility of launching a presidential bid in 2028.
“2023 was the most productive year that we’ve ever had in the history of the state of Florida… it really was a monumental year.”
