Ron DeSantis Hypocritically Lectures Byron Donalds While Positioning His Wife For Governor
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is inserting himself into the 2026 gubernatorial race. Despite previously abandoning Florida to run a failed presidential campaign against President Donald Trump, DeSantis has suggested that Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL) should focus on congressional duties rather than a gubernatorial run — while he himself is laying the groundwork for his wife, Casey DeSantis, to enter the race.
During a press conference, DeSantis dismissed Donalds as someone who has not been involved in Florida’s conservative victories. He claimed that members of Congress should be working to advance Trump’s agenda rather than considering future campaigns. “We need to start achieving those victories up there,” DeSantis said, adding that Donalds has “not been a part” of the state’s successes.
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’ comments came after President Trump publicly endorsed Donalds for governor, stating that he would be a “great and powerful” leader for Florida. The endorsement has fueled speculation that DeSantis sees Donalds as a threat to his own political ambitions — particularly if he is planning to position his wife as his successor.
She’s running. https://t.co/XighKbHP6o
— Matt Gaetz (@mattgaetz) February 24, 2025
While dismissing Donalds’ potential run, DeSantis has openly praised Casey DeSantis as someone who could “take things to the next level.” He touted her conservative values and implied she would build on his legacy, reinforcing speculation that she may enter the race.
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
The feud highlights ongoing tensions between Trump and DeSantis, who was soundly defeated in the 2024 Republican primary. Despite attempting to mend his relationship with Trump, DeSantis’ latest move suggests he is still maneuvering for influence in Florida’s future political landscape.
Floridians are not stupid.
The governorship is not a monarchy.
Casey DeSantis will lose to Byron Donalds. pic.twitter.com/1TQC3p0uIt
— 𝐂𝐂 (@ChatByCC) February 24, 2025
Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL), a longtime Trump ally, called out DeSantis for his comments, reminding him that both he and Donalds had previously helped DeSantis win the governorship in 2018. Donalds has not announced his candidacy but recently told supporters to “stay tuned” for an upcoming decision.
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
I think Byron Donalds would beat Casey DeSantis in Florida the same way Trump beat Ron DeSantis in Florida.
— Pro America Politics (@Pro__Trading) February 25, 2025
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