DeSantis Tries To Block Trump-Endorsed Byron Donalds While Boosting His Own Wife
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is working against President Donald Trump’s political priorities, this time attempting to undermine Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL), Trump’s endorsed candidate for the 2026 gubernatorial race. At the same time, DeSantis is laying the groundwork to push his wife, Casey DeSantis, as his replacement when his term ends.
At a press conference, DeSantis argued that Donalds should not be focused on running for governor, saying that he and other House Republicans need to “deliver results” in Washington instead. “We need to start achieving those victories up there,” DeSantis said, adding that Donalds has not been involved in Florida’s major conservative wins.
WATCH:
🚨DESANTIS ATTACKS TRUMP’S ENDORSEMENT OF BYRON DONALDS FOR GOVERNOR OUT OF JEALOUSY HIS WIFE WASN’T ENDORSED INSTEAD🚨
While speaking today, @GovRonDeSantis trashed and badmouthed President Trump’s
endorsement of FL Congressman @ByronDonalds for the
2026 FL… https://t.co/JnzWfU9Squ pic.twitter.com/pSf30Hru5f— Laura Loomer (@LauraLoomer) February 24, 2025
DeSantis’ remarks come after Trump publicly backed Donalds, calling on him to run for governor. The endorsement appeared to irk DeSantis, who has been quietly promoting his wife as a potential candidate. DeSantis praised Casey DeSantis as someone who would carry on his policies and “take them to the next level,” reinforcing speculation that she is being positioned for a run.
She’s running. https://t.co/XighKbHP6o
— Matt Gaetz (@mattgaetz) February 24, 2025
The move raises questions about DeSantis’ motivations. After leaving Florida behind to pursue his failed presidential campaign — one that divided conservatives and distracted from Trump’s 2024 run — DeSantis is now trying to dictate who should enter the state’s next gubernatorial race. His warning to Donalds appears more about protecting his own influence than about putting Floridians first.
DeSantis declines to endorse Trump pick Byron Donalds for Florida governor, touts wife Casey DeSantis https://t.co/m5s0F8h7qx
— Fox News (@FoxNews) February 24, 2025
Trump allies have taken note of DeSantis’ interference. Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) called out DeSantis for attacking Donalds, reminding him that both had helped him win in 2018. Donalds has not officially announced his candidacy but has indicated that he is seriously considering a run.
Byron Donalds will be the next governor of Florida
Casey DeSantis will be serving ice cream to Meatball
Life is good pic.twitter.com/A5tPK3fGOG
— Steven 🇺🇸 (@SirStevenKJ) February 21, 2025
Despite DeSantis’ objections, Trump remains committed to his endorsement. “Byron Donalds would be a truly great and powerful governor for Florida,” Trump said, urging Donalds to “run.”