Florida Governor Ron DeSantis Ends Presidential Campaign, Endorses Trump
In a surprising turn of events, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has announced the end of his presidential campaign and has thrown his support behind former President Donald Trump. The announcement, made through a video posted online, comes after DeSantis’ disappointing second-place finish in the Iowa Republican caucuses.
“If I could do anything to produce a favorable outcome, more rallies, more interviews, I would, but I can’t ask our supporters to volunteer their time and donate their resources if we don’t have a clear path to victory. Therefore, today I am suspending my campaign,” DeSantis said in the video.
Despite previously having disagreements with Trump, including over the handling of the coronavirus pandemic and the appointment of Anthony Fauci, DeSantis expressed his preference for Trump over the current incumbent, Joe Biden. “Although I have had disagreements with Donald Trump, for example over the coronavirus pandemic and his appointment of Anthony Fauci, Trump is superior to the current incumbent, Joe Biden. That is clear.”
DeSantis also made it clear that he intends to keep his pledge to support the Republican candidate. “You have my support, because we cannot return to the old Republican guard of yesteryear or the repackaged form of overheated corporatism that Nikki Haley represents,” he said.
The unexpected move leaves former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley as the sole alternative to Trump in the Republican race, with little time to consolidate support and catch up to the front-runner.
The decision to end his campaign comes after days of conversations with his donors, with DeSantis stating that there was neither a clear path to victory nor enough financial support to continue. The news came as a surprise to many of his collaborators and supporters.
DeSantis’ departure is a devastating blow to the rising Republican star’s promising career. His failure to meet the lofty expectations of his candidacy has caused doubt among his close allies and advisers, with some believing he took too long to attack former President Donald Trump and others underestimating Governor Nikki Haley.
Despite the setback, DeSantis attributed his performance to a series of challenges, including Iowa’s wintry weather, conservative media’s loyalty to Trump, and an unprecedented barrage of negative ads against him. Regardless, DeSantis did not criticize his keynote speech to voters – his record of accomplishments in Florida – which he continued to present in speech after speech until his final moments as a presidential candidate.
The decision to end his campaign marks the end of a chapter for DeSantis, but leaves the path clear for Trump as the Republican front-runner.