Trump, DeSantis golf together amid speculation about administration role

A moderately attention-grabbing foursome went to play a spherical of golf in Florida this weekend: President Donald Trump was joined by faculty soccer teaching legends City Meyer and Nick Saban, and maybe most significantly, a former rival by the identify of Governor Ron DeSantis.

It will be going too far to say that Trump and DeSantis have had dangerous blood, however there was a rift for the reason that Florida governor’s main problem to Trump in 2023, which fizzled out in New Hampshire earlier than primaries have been even solid.

Seeing Trump and DeSantis spend a couple of hours engaged in what Mark Twain as soon as referred to as a “good stroll spoiled” results in an attention-grabbing query: If Florida’s prime governor have been to depart workplace subsequent yr, might he be a gap in a single for the Trump administration?

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and President Trump performed golf on Sunday, which might be an indication of a thaw of their relationship. (Getty Photographs)

DeSantis is the form of man who might put Trump accountable for nearly every part within the federal authorities and who might count on not solely his trademark competence but additionally his calm and no-nonsense demeanor.

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In latest weeks, calm has been one thing the federal government has been eager for.

After DeSantis dropped out in early 2024, the schism within the conservative commentariat was roughly cleaved, regardless of the moderately bitter vitriol consumed the yr earlier than, and the governor can nonetheless be an necessary pillar of Republican Celebration unity.

There was frustration these days, particularly amongst former DeSantis supporters, that the White Home has been too tolerant of utmost views from figures near him. The perfect reply to this isn’t to remove so-called most cancers instances, however to strengthen the federal government’s credibility.

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I do not know what DeSantis’ center identify is, however I would not be shocked if it is “credibility.” With the potential exception of Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, no chief in America, maybe the world, dealt with COVID higher.

The downer on DeSantis is that, as credible as he’s, he’s not notably convincing. He does not, in leisure phrases, chew the surroundings. I keep in mind spending a lot of the spring of 2023, as he was gearing up for the presidential election, pondering, “Much less speaking, extra throwing the baseball.”

Secretary Kristi Noem spoke Wednesday about Democrats’ response to immigration enforcement operations. (Joe Raedle/Getty Photographs)

However truthfully, the Trump administration has loads of present provide of colourful characters. Extra competence is required, extra Lee Zeldins and Scott Bessents.

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In a single column for the Washington Examiner this week, Byron York requested whether or not it is time for Trump to shake up his Cupboard. Wherever you stand on this attention-grabbing political subject, you need to ask: who can the Senate affirm as a brand new member?

As an instance that Legal professional Common Pam Bondi, or Secretary of Homeland Safety Kristi Noem, who’ve been lightning rods for criticism, go away their positions. I am not advocating for that, but when it does occur, DeSantis is without doubt one of the few outstanding Republicans who might go Senate affirmation.

The subtext of all this, together with the spherical of golf that I will go forward and assume Trump gained, is the 2028 presidential election, during which DeSantis is without doubt one of the few figures to attain among the many public.

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The polls, early as they’re, present Vice President J.D. Vance with an enormous lead, particularly contemplating that Secretary of State Marco Rubio has all however endorsed him. However for now, DeSantis is probably the most viable choice for the Republican Celebration, which isn’t but in authorities or tied to Trump.

Vice President J.D. Vance talks to the media earlier than boarding Air Power Two for a return to Washington, DC, in Baku, Azerbaijan, on February 11, 2026. (Kevin Lamarque-Pool/Getty Photographs) (Kevin Lamarque-Pool/Getty Photographs)

Whereas this can be a political cause for Florida’s governor to eschew a authorities place, to stay the Republican who is not seen within the Oval Workplace day in and day trip poring over Trump, a nationwide place might be nice for him and for the social gathering.

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And truthfully, the place ought to DeSantis go after he leaves workplace if it is not Washington?

Whether or not the nineteenth gap of this golf outing with Trump and the soccer kings seems to be a place in authorities or not, Republicans ought to rejoice in the event that they see these two conservative leaders hanging out.

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Unity should be the watchword for Republicans, each on this yr’s midterm elections and within the 2028 presidential race. In both case, DeSantis is usually a voice for widespread sense, competence and American values.

America wants all the great management it may well get in Washington, and DeSantis is an instance of that. Trump ought to critically contemplate giving him a outstanding nationwide platform.

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