Donald Trump Accuses Florida Governor Ron DeSantis of “Trying to Rewrite History” as 2024 Presidential Race Heats Up

Former President Donald Trump took to the campaign trail on Saturday for the first time since announcing his 2024 presidential bid, and took aim at Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. Trump accused DeSantis and his team of “trying to rewrite history” regarding their Covid-19 pandemic response, and called the potential presidential run by his GOP rival “very disloyal.”

In March 2020, DeSantis issued an executive order closing bars and nightclubs, and urged people to follow US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines to limit gatherings on beaches to no more than 10 people.

Speaking to reporters while aboard his plane, Trump said “There are Republican governors that did not close their states. They’re trying to rewrite history.” He went on to suggest that he was the GOP candidate best suited to win in 2024, saying “The 2024 election is our one shot to save our country, and we need a leader who is ready to do that on day one.”

At the South Carolina State House in Columbia, Trump told his supporters that he is “more angry” and “more committed” to winning the presidency as his former political allies weigh bids to potentially challenge him for the GOP nomination.

The former president’s remarks come as speculation mounts over who will challenge him for the Republican nomination in 2024. While Trump has not yet officially declared his candidacy, he has made it clear that he is determined to win the presidency again. It remains to be seen whether DeSantis will join the race, but Trump’s comments suggest that he is not happy about the prospect.