Former President Donald Trump has launched a scathing attack on Fox News, once a network he praised, labeling it the “DeSanctimonious Network” and blasting its coverage of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who is seen as Trump’s main rival for the 2024 GOP nomination.[0] In a series of social media posts, Trump accused the network of refusing to peddle his debunked election fraud theories and letting go of host Tucker Carlson.[0] The former president also criticized DeSantis, saying that even “pro-lifers” think his six-week abortion ban is “too harsh” and that he lacks political skill and personality.[0] While DeSantis has yet to declare his candidacy, he is considered one of Trump’s chief GOP primary rivals, polling in second place behind Trump in the RealClearPolitics aggregate.[0]
Trump and DeSantis have both been vocal about their support for cuts to Medicare and Social Security, with Trump proposing cuts to these programs in every one of his budgets.[0] Despite the ongoing rivalry, Trump has been noncommittal about endorsing DeSantis if he were to become the GOP standard-bearer.[0] The former president has repeatedly taken credit for DeSantis’ rise from congressman to governor, stating in the interview published on Monday that he “revived him” and that he is a “loyal person” who would never run against someone who had endorsed him.[0]
In addition to his attacks on Fox News and DeSantis, Trump also claimed that the MAGA votes are “almost everything” in the Republican Party and that if DeSantis were to run against him and lose, he would lose those votes forever.[0] The former president’s attacks on DeSantis come after the Florida governor took swipes at Trump in Iowa, blaming him for recent GOP losses and emphasizing the need for a “new generation of leadership.”
Despite their ongoing feud, both Trump and DeSantis are seen as front-runners for the GOP nomination for president in 2024. While DeSantis has yet to officially declare his candidacy, a final decision is expected to be announced this summer.[0] Trump, on the other hand, announced his bid last November.[0]
0. “Donald Trump Attacks Fox News for ‘Desperately Pushing’ Ron DeSantis as GOP Threat” Radar Online, 15 May. 2023, https://radaronline.com/p/donald-trump-continues-attack-on-fox-news-for-desperately-pushing-ron-desantis-as-potential-threat-to-gop-nomination/
