Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ team has shut down a claim from former President Donald Trump that the governor will drop out of the 2024 presidential race and seek Senator Rick Scott’s seat.
The former President took to Truth Social claiming to have heard “rumors,” which he originally spelled “roomer” before editing and reposting, that DeSantis would seek a Senate seat.
“Rumors are strong in political circles that Ron DeSanctimonious, whose Presidential run is a shambles, and whose poll numbers have absolutely crashed, putting him 3rd and 4th in some states, will be dropping out of the Presidential race in order to run, in Florida, against Rick Scott for Senate. Now that’s an interesting one, isn’t it?”
The Daily Wire’s Ben Shapiro shared a screenshot of Trump’s post asking if it was real. DeSantis’ press secretary Bryan Griffin responded that it was not.
“This is fake news,” wrote Griffin. “Clearly, Donald Trump and his army of consultants are panicked about Ron DeSantis‘ winning debate performance and the strong momentum that has followed.”
“They know this is a two-man race, and we will carry this on to a win in this presidential primary,” he continued. “Instead of pushing fake news from New Jersey, the Trump campaign should be focused on getting their candidate on the campaign trail in Iowa and on the debate stage before it’s too late.”
This is fake news. Clearly, Donald Trump and his army of consultants are panicked about @RonDeSantis' winning debate performance and the strong momentum that has followed. They know this is a two-man race, and we will carry this on to a win in this presidential primary. Instead… https://t.co/f4PNHEzHnE
— Bryan Griffin (@BryanDGriffin) August 28, 2023
Trump notably skipped the Republican primary debate hosted by Fox News in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, last week, though he still holds a sizable lead of 40 points over DeSantis, according to Real Clear Politics. Entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy trails DeSantis by just over five points.
Trump was booked and processed through Fulton County Jail in Georgia last week after being indicted by District Attorney Fani Willis. A mugshot of the former President was taken and released on social media shortly after.
Following Trump’s booking at Fulton County Jail, the former President posted to X for the first time since Jan. 8, 2021, with a picture of his mugshot and a link to his website.
The photo featured the accompanying text, “ELECTION INTERFERENCE,” “NEVER SURRENDER!” and “DONALDJTRUMP.COM.”
The former President also began selling merchandise featuring his mugshot with an accompanying message, “NEVER SURRENDER!”
Merchandise for sale includes shirts, mugs, individual beverage coolers, and bumper stickers.
Trump has not made another post to X since Thursday night.
