Latest news with #TrumpDeSantis
CNN
a day ago
- Politics
- CNN
Trump brushes off past rivalry with DeSantis at opening of Florida's ‘Alligator Alcatraz'
Just months after President Donald Trump's administration quietly moved to undercut a hardline immigration push by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, the two Republican former rivals appeared side by side on Tuesday for the opening of a new migrant detention center in the Everglades. Trump and DeSantis toured the compound — nicknamed 'Alligator Alcatraz' — built on a remote airstrip surrounded by swamp and predators. In the latest display of his support for a signature Trump priority, DeSantis used emergency powers to seize the land and fast-track construction with encouragement from the Trump administration. 'Ron worked beautifully with Kristi (Noem) and all of the people at Homeland Security and got it done in how many days, Ron?' Trump told reporters, turning to DeSantis. 'Eight days, a new facility was up and running,' the governor said. While Trump touted his relationship with DeSantis — 'I would say it's a 10. I think it's a 10,' the president said, 'maybe 9.9 because, you know, might be a couple of little wounds' — the governor has faced a strained dynamic ever since he ran for the 2024 Republican nomination, crossing Trump, who believed he was responsible for DeSantis' rise. A White House official described the Trump-DeSantis relationship as 'fine' ahead of the leaders' joint appearance. The White House for months has moved in ways that effectively isolated DeSantis in his own state, working behind the scenes with Florida lawmakers who refused the governor's demands on immigration. And Trump has elevated other Florida Republicans, inviting them to events in Washington that the governor did not attend. Also on hand for Tuesday's event: Rep. Byron Donalds, Trump's favored pick to replace the term-limited DeSantis as governor, a not-so-subtle reminder of shifting Republican loyalties in their shared home state. DeSantis, meanwhile, has publicly suggested that his wife, Florida first lady Casey DeSantis, would be a worthwhile successor. The couple have quietly urged the president to scale back his involvement in the race. Trump has since made several high-profile appearances with Donalds. On Tuesday, Trump declined to answer whether he believes Casey DeSantis should run for governor. Ron DeSantis then jumped in, attempting to highlight his loyalty to Trump. 'The thing about it is I endorsed him immediately in January 2024. I raised one of his PACs millions and millions of dollars.' No state moved more aggressively to align itself with Trump's immigration crackdown than Florida. Under a new law signed by DeSantis, local police agencies must cooperate with federal immigration officials — a policy shift that has helped Florida account for nearly 40% of the 737 agreements Immigration and Customs Enforcement has signed with local law enforcement departments since Trump took office, according to agency data. Earlier this year, DeSantis' office and ICE announced the arrest of 1,120 undocumented immigrants over a week in what Florida called a 'first-of-its-kind' statewide operation. During a visit with Fox News on Friday, DeSantis described the new Everglades facility as a 'one-stop shop' for detaining, processing and deporting undocumented migrants. When completed, it will hold up to 5,000 beds. 'This is going to be a force multiplier,' DeSantis said, 'and we're happy to work with the federal government to satisfy President Trump's mandate.' Trump's border czar, Tom Homan, offered DeSantis some praise for his efforts ahead of the visit. 'I mean, Gov. DeSantis, I'll give him credit. We got that facility that he's putting up in Florida. We'll be filling those beds as quick as we can, because we need more beds,' Homan told reporters at the White House. And Trump on Tuesday said he approves of DeSantis' proposal for Florida National Guard judge advocate generals to be deputized as immigration judges to help expedite deportations. 'Yes, he has my approval. That wasn't too hard to get,' Trump said during a roundtable discussion at the new detention facility. But DeSantis had sought to go further. His office drafted legislation granting him unprecedented authority to deport migrants using state resources, a power traditionally reserved for the federal government. In a rare rejection of the governor's ambitions by Florida's Republican-led legislature, lawmakers declined to cede that power to DeSantis. Instead, they passed their own immigration package — one that notably excluded the deportation provision and was crafted in consultation with the White House, according to state House Speaker Daniel Perez. 'We were talking to the White House the entire time,' Perez told CNN on Monday. 'The product that we finalized was the result of input from the House, the Senate, the governor and the White House. Our goal was to best assist the federal government in doing their job. They needed beds. And that's what this bill addressed.' Perez declined to say whom he worked with in the Trump administration. The White House declined to comment. Perez was seen alongside Trump on multiple occasions this year. He attended the White House Easter Egg Roll and later celebrated the Florida Panthers' Stanley Cup victory with the president. DeSantis did not attend either event. As the 2024 Republican primary intensified, DeSantis increasingly criticized Trump's first-term immigration record, accusing him of failing to deliver on his central promise to build a border wall and force Mexico pay for it. 'If Trump had built the border wall, it would have been very difficult for (President Joe) Biden to bring in all those many people,' DeSantis said during a CNN town hall ahead of the Iowa caucuses. 'That's why you want a wall. It's a physical fact of life, that even an open-border president would not be able to get around, so I will get the job done.' After Trump defeated DeSantis, the two did not talk for months. Many in Trump's orbit harbor ill feelings toward DeSantis, including White House chief of staff Susie Wiles, who once worked for the governor before a bitter falling out. Lately, Trump and DeSantis have maintained a friendly public rapport. They have golfed together, and DeSantis has vocally defended Trump during public appearances, reprising the role that first endeared him to the president during his time in Congress. Trump opened the roundtable discussion Tuesday by highlighting his 'really great relationship' with DeSantis, although their rivalry didn't go unmentioned. 'Ron and I have had a really great relationship for a long period of time. We had a little off period for a couple of days, but it didn't last long,' Trump said, adding, 'Lot of respect for each other.' Returning the praise, DeSantis lauded the president's leadership. 'You can call him anytime and he wants to be helpful for governors.' Trump has taken a personal interest in the detention facility that DeSantis has moved rapidly to build, the White House official said. The US Department of Homeland Security has approved the plan to temporarily repurpose the Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport for use as a detention center. Another site at the Camp Blanding National Guard training center in northeast Florida is also under consideration, DeSantis spokeswoman Molly Best said in a statement to CNN. The airstrip sits in the middle of the Florida Everglades, an ecosystem dense with alligators, pythons, panthers and marshes that are notoriously difficult to navigate. Its surroundings have captured the immigration of many Republicans, including inside the Trump administration. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt suggested the location will serve as a natural deterrent for people trying to escape. DHS posted an image to social media over the weekend of alligators wearing Immigration and Customs Enforcement hats standing guard outside a prison. 'Coming soon!' a caption said. DeSantis floated the idea of a Trump visit when talking with Fox News on Friday, gesturing toward a runway. 'An invitation from me: We can land Air Force One right there no problem,' he said. 'I think the president would be impressed with what the guys are doing out here.' This headline and story have been updated with additional developments.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Trump says his relationship with one-time rival DeSantis now a '9.9'
They were bitter Republican rivals a year and a half ago, but President Donald Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis were all smiles this week, as the two appeared side-by-side for the opening of a new migrant detention center in the Everglades. "The relationship between the governor and the president is fantastic," DeSantis communications director Bryan Griffin told Fox News Digital. Griffin spoke with Fox News Digital the day after Trump and DeSantis, along with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, toured what's being called "Alligator Alacatraz," a detention center quickly constructed on a remote airstrip that's surrounded by alligator-infested swamps. DeSantis, the two-term conservative governor who unsuccessfully ran against Trump for the 2024 GOP presidential nomination, used emergency powers to seize the land and speed construction of the facility, with encouragement from Trump and his administration. Trump Touts Only Way Out Of 'Alligator Alcatraz' Is Deportation "Ron worked beautifully with Kristi (Noem) and all of the people at Homeland Security and got it done in how many days, Ron?" Trump said as he turned to the governor while answering reporters' questions. Read On The Fox News App "Eight days, a new facility was up and running," DeSantis responded. Fox News Takes You Inside 'Alligator Alcatraz' Following his 2022 gubernatorial re-election landslide, DeSantis moved toward running for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination and formally launched his White House bid in the spring of 2023. But even before he announced his candidacy, DeSantis was repeatedly attacked by Trump and his political allies. The long-term targeting of the governor proved successful. DeSantis was considered Trump's top threat among the field of Republican White House hopefuls. But the governor saw his support deteriorate, and he ended his presidential bid in January of last year, after a disappointing second-place finish in the Iowa caucuses, far behind Trump. DeSantis immediately endorsed Trump, helped raise money for the then-former president's general election campaign, and gave a well-received speech last summer at the Republican National Convention in Milwuakee, Wisconsin. Asked about his relationship with DeSantis, Trump told reporters, "I would say it's a 10. I think it's a 10," before adding "maybe 9.9 because, you know, might be a couple of little wounds." Desantis Takes Victory Lap On Florida's 'Momentous Immigration Legislation DeSantis has been extremely aggressive in assisting Trump in his sweeping immigration crackdown. The governor signed stiff immigration measures into law earlier this year, after a compromise with the Republican leaders of the Florida legislature was brokered, which brought to an end a weekslong standoff over dueling bills. "This is going to be a force multiplier," DeSantis told Fox News late last week. "We're happy to work with the federal government to satisfy President Trump's mandate." And the governor, during his Fox News interview, suggested that the president visit the facility. "An invitation from me: We can land Air Force One right there no problem," DeSantis said. "I think the president would be impressed with what the guys are doing out here." Trump, at the event, highlighted that "Ron and I have had a really great relationship for a long period of time. We had a little off period for a couple of days, but it didn't last long." The president added that he and the governor have a "lot of respect for each other." DeSantis returned the praise, noting that "you can call him [Trump] anytime and he wants to be helpful for governors." But some top figures in Trump's political orbit, including White House chief of staff Susie Wiles, may still hold unflattering opinions of the governor. Wiles was once a top DeSantis political advisor before a very bitter falling out. And in a sign of political friction, Trump-ally Rep. Byron Donalds of Florida also attended Tuesday's event. Donalds earlier this year launched a bid to succeed the term-limited DeSantis in Florida's 2026 gubernatorial election, and he landed Trump's endorsement even before he announced his candidacy. DeSantis' wife, Florida first lady Casey DeSantis, has been mulling a run for governor of her own, and her husband earlier this year said she would be a worthy successor. Asked by reporters if Casey DeSantis should run for governor, the president would only say "we get along great." Ron DeSantis quickly interjected, noting that "I endorsed him immediately, in January 2024. I raised one of his PACs millions and millions of dollars."Original article source: Trump says his relationship with one-time rival DeSantis now a '9.9'
Fox News
2 days ago
- Politics
- Fox News
Trump says his relationship with one-time rival DeSantis now a '9.9'
They were bitter Republican rivals a year and a half ago, but President Donald Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis were all smiles this week, as the two appeared side-by-side for the opening of a new migrant detention center in the Everglades. "The relationship between the governor and the president is fantastic," DeSantis communications director Bryan Griffin told Fox News Digital. Griffin spoke with Fox News Digital the day after Trump and DeSantis, along with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, toured what's being called "Alligator Alacatraz," a detention center quickly constructed on a remote airstrip that's surrounded by alligator-infested swamps. DeSantis, the two-term conservative governor who unsuccessfully ran against Trump for the 2024 GOP presidential nomination, used emergency powers to seize the land and speed construction of the facility, with encouragement from Trump and his administration. "Ron worked beautifully with Kristi (Noem) and all of the people at Homeland Security and got it done in how many days, Ron?" Trump said as he turned to the governor while answering reporters' questions. "Eight days, a new facility was up and running," DeSantis responded. Following his 2022 gubernatorial re-election landslide, DeSantis moved toward running for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination and formally launched his White House bid in the spring of 2023. But even before he announced his candidacy, DeSantis was repeatedly attacked by Trump and his political allies. The long-term targeting of the governor proved successful. DeSantis was considered Trump's top threat among the field of Republican White House hopefuls. But the governor saw his support deteriorate, and he ended his presidential bid in January of last year, after a disappointing second-place finish in the Iowa caucuses, far behind Trump. DeSantis immediately endorsed Trump, helped raise money for the then-former president's general election campaign, and gave a well-received speech last summer at the Republican National Convention in Milwuakee, Wisconsin. Asked about his relationship with DeSantis, Trump told reporters, "I would say it's a 10. I think it's a 10," before adding "maybe 9.9 because, you know, might be a couple of little wounds." DeSantis has been extremely aggressive in assisting Trump in his sweeping immigration crackdown. The governor signed stiff immigration measures into law earlier this year, after a compromise with the Republican leaders of the Florida legislature was brokered, which brought to an end a weekslong standoff over dueling bills. "This is going to be a force multiplier," DeSantis told Fox News late last week. "We're happy to work with the federal government to satisfy President Trump's mandate." And the governor, during his Fox News interview, suggested that the president visit the facility. "An invitation from me: We can land Air Force One right there no problem," DeSantis said. "I think the president would be impressed with what the guys are doing out here." Trump, at the event, highlighted that "Ron and I have had a really great relationship for a long period of time. We had a little off period for a couple of days, but it didn't last long." The president added that he and the governor have a "lot of respect for each other." DeSantis returned the praise, noting that "you can call him [Trump] anytime and he wants to be helpful for governors." But some top figures in Trump's political orbit, including White House chief of staff Susie Wiles, may still hold unflattering opinions of the governor. Wiles was once a top DeSantis political advisor before a very bitter falling out. And in a sign of political friction, Trump-ally Rep. Byron Donalds of Florida also attended Tuesday's event. Donalds earlier this year launched a bid to succeed the term-limited DeSantis in Florida's 2026 gubernatorial election, and he landed Trump's endorsement even before he announced his candidacy. DeSantis' wife, Florida first lady Casey DeSantis, has been mulling a run for governor of her own, and her husband earlier this year said she would be a worthy successor. Asked by reporters if Casey DeSantis should run for governor, the president would only say "we get along great." Ron DeSantis quickly interjected, noting that "I endorsed him immediately, in January 2024. I raised one of his PACs millions and millions of dollars."
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
From Name-Calling To Love-Bombing: Donald Trump Mocked For DeSantis Flip-Flop
To Donald Trump, Ron DeSantis is apparently now (almost) perfect. Forget Trump's nasty nicknames for his onetime GOP primary rival (from 'DeSaster' and 'Ron DeSanctimonious' to reportedly 'Meatball Ron') and the mocking way he described the Florida governor once seeking his endorsement. Toss DeSantis' criticism of Trump during the 2024 election to one side. Because on Tuesday, pretty much all of the animosity that once festered between the pair appeared to be done with when the president was asked ― during his visit to the controversial new migrant detention center dubbed 'Alligator Alcatraz' ― to describe his relationship with the governor. Trump replied, 'I think it's a 10. Maybe 9.9. There might be a couple of little wounds, so maybe... I think we have 10. We get along great.' Watch here: .@POTUS on his relationship with @GovRonDeSantis: "I think it's a 10 — maybe 9.9 ... We get along great." — Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) July 1, 2025 Trump also told DeSantis, 'You are my friend and you'll always be my friend. We may have some skirmishes, even in the future. I doubt it. But we'll always come back because we just seem to have blood that seems to match pretty well. We have a relationship that's been a very strong one for a long period of time and I appreciate it.' Watch here: Trump: "Ron, I'd like to thank you personally. You are my friend and you'll always be my friend. We may have some skirmishes even in the future. I doubt it. But we'll always come back, because we just seem to have blood that seems to match pretty well." — Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) July 1, 2025 Critics were quick to flag their issues with the comments: Meatball Ron is grateful for the kind words. — Jacques V. (@NulliusJacques) July 1, 2025 Just wait until Desantis tries to run in 2028... Ron DeSanctimonious will be back in the blink of an eye — Lib Dunk (@libdunkmedia) July 1, 2025 Ron was full of rants about Trump during the Republican primary. Hypocrites — TheFrenchie (@ML3democrats) July 1, 2025 Until the next time Ron does something Trump doesn't agree with. — Joe Munding (@crownroyal64) July 2, 2025 Never has a man been so deeply insulted with a compliment. — Melissa Nold, Esq. (@savage_esquire) July 1, 2025 You're my friend, and you'll always be my friend—unless you start leading in the polls. Then it's 300 rounds of battle, my friend. — Zhai Xiang (@ZhaiXiang5) July 1, 2025 Michael Steele Issues Ominous Alert For ALL Republicans: 'Trust Me, Baby' Critics Snap At White House's Latest Wild Image Of Trump Trump Asks DeSantis The Weirdest Question About Marjorie Taylor Greene, In Front Of Her BF
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
From Name-Calling To Love-Bombing: Donald Trump Mocked For DeSantis Flip-Flop
To Donald Trump, Ron DeSantis is apparently now (almost) perfect. Forget Trump's nasty nicknames for his onetime GOP primary rival (from 'DeSaster' and 'Ron DeSanctimonious' to reportedly 'Meatball Ron') and the mocking way he described the Florida governor once seeking his endorsement. Toss DeSantis' criticism of Trump during the 2024 election to one side. Because on Tuesday, pretty much all of the animosity that once festered between the pair appeared to be done with when the president was asked ― during his visit to the controversial new migrant detention center dubbed 'Alligator Alcatraz' ― to describe his relationship with the governor. Trump replied, 'I think it's a 10. Maybe 9.9. There might be a couple of little wounds, so maybe... I think we have 10. We get along great.' Watch here: .@POTUS on his relationship with @GovRonDeSantis: "I think it's a 10 — maybe 9.9 ... We get along great." — Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) July 1, 2025 Trump also told DeSantis, 'You are my friend and you'll always be my friend. We may have some skirmishes, even in the future. I doubt it. But we'll always come back because we just seem to have blood that seems to match pretty well. We have a relationship that's been a very strong one for a long period of time and I appreciate it.' Watch here: Trump: "Ron, I'd like to thank you personally. You are my friend and you'll always be my friend. We may have some skirmishes even in the future. I doubt it. But we'll always come back, because we just seem to have blood that seems to match pretty well." — Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) July 1, 2025 Critics were quick to flag their issues with the comments: Meatball Ron is grateful for the kind words. — Jacques V. (@NulliusJacques) July 1, 2025 Just wait until Desantis tries to run in 2028... Ron DeSanctimonious will be back in the blink of an eye — Lib Dunk (@libdunkmedia) July 1, 2025 Ron was full of rants about Trump during the Republican primary. Hypocrites — TheFrenchie (@ML3democrats) July 1, 2025 Until the next time Ron does something Trump doesn't agree with. — Joe Munding (@crownroyal64) July 2, 2025 Never has a man been so deeply insulted with a compliment. — Melissa Nold, Esq. (@savage_esquire) July 1, 2025 You're my friend, and you'll always be my friend—unless you start leading in the polls. Then it's 300 rounds of battle, my friend. — Zhai Xiang (@ZhaiXiang5) July 1, 2025 Michael Steele Issues Ominous Alert For ALL Republicans: 'Trust Me, Baby' Critics Snap At White House's Latest Wild Image Of Trump Trump Asks DeSantis The Weirdest Question About Marjorie Taylor Greene, In Front Of Her BF
