Former President Donald Trump launched a scathing attack on Florida Governor Ron DeSantis at Florida’s annual Republican summit on Saturday. Speaking at the Republican party’s Freedom Summit at the Gaylord Palms Resort in Kissimmee, Trump referred to DeSantis as “a wounded falling bird from the skies.”
The summit, which featured several other candidates, including former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, former Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson, Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina, and businessman Vivek Ramaswamy, saw the candidates officially file to appear in the state’s 2024 primary. However, it was Trump’s presence that dominated the event.
Addressing the audience, Trump recounted his advisers warning him not to criticize DeSantis, as he is a fellow Republican. However, Trump disregarded their advice and hit DeSantis hard, comparing him to a wounded bird. This remark overshadowed the proceedings and highlighted the rift between the two potential 2024 presidential candidates.
During the day-long event, which attracted Republican voters, enthusiasts, lawmakers, and merchandise booths, there were other notable moments. Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie received a negative welcome as he was continuously booed throughout his almost 15-minute speech. Responding to the crude welcome, Christie called the audience’s anger against the truth “reprehensible” and insisted that the truth was coming.
Former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, who is a Republican presidential candidate, was notably absent from the summit. No reason was given for her absence, but her campaign declined to comment when reached by CBS News. Haley has been rising in recent polls, placing second in early states like Iowa, New Hampshire, and South Carolina. However, she still trails considerably behind Trump.
Governor DeSantis, on the other hand, received a warm welcome in his home state. As he signed the primary paperwork, DeSantis was accompanied by his wife and young son. He emphasized his accomplishments as governor, positioning himself as a successful model that could be replicated on a national scale.
Finally, Trump closed the night with a speech that lasted over an hour and drew the largest audience of any candidate. He attacked President Biden, referred to him as “Sleepy Joe” and “Crooked Joe,” and continued to make false claims about the 2020 election results. Trump also addressed immigration, promising “mass deportation” for undocumented immigrants and criticized Biden’s response to the crisis. He also discussed inflation, the need for the U.S. to be energy independent, and his plans to build a wall on the southern border.
The event reflected the ongoing divisions within the Republican Party and set the stage for the upcoming 2024 presidential race. Trump’s strong presence and attack on DeSantis underscored the competition among the potential candidates, while Haley’s absence left unanswered questions about her campaign’s strategy. As the candidates continue to campaign and compete for support, their positions on key issues and ability to attract voters will become crucial factors in the race.