The super PAC backing Florida Governor Ron DeSantis attacked former President Donald Trump at his raucous town hall.
But the governor and his supporters did not mention Trump the following day. They discussed signing additional bills to reflect DeSantis's successes in the 60-day legislative session.
According to a Republican consultant familiar with discussions within DeSantis' camp, as soon as he enters the campaign formally, the governor will begin to criticize Trump directly. Since the governor is applying for a position where he would interact with Chinese and Russian officials, the expert said the governor needs to show his resolve.
DeSantis' habitual avoidance of Trump is a striking difference for a politician who has made his refusal to "back down" and his desire to spar with the media, Democrats, or anybody a core component of his personality.
When DeSantis officially enters the presidential campaign in the coming weeks, supporters of DeSantis hope things will change.
State Rep. Spencer Roach of Fort Myers said DeSantis would be "all in" when the governor challenges Trump.
"And he's going to have to explain to voters and make the case to voters why he is the most conservative candidate who can win a general election," Roach said.
Trump and his team have criticized DeSantis for everything from Florida's affordability crisis to branding him 'disloyal' for considering a presidential run.
Trump only briefly mentioned DeSantis during his town hall, saying he was trailing in several polls. However, Trump seems ready to fire an insult at DeSantis at any given time. Only recently, he was calling the Governor names like "Ron DeSactamonious."
DeSantis has largely avoided Trump's criticism over the past three months, even though he has periodically made a few jabs, such as saying that Republicans should choose winning candidates.
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