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- Trump is reportedly not happy about Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' rising popularity in the GOP.
- "Trump fucking hates DeSantis," a source close to the former president told Vanity Fair.
- Trump previously said he'd consider DeSantis as his vice president should he run in 2024.
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Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is a rising star in Republican circles and former President Donald Trump is reportedly not happy about it.
"Trump fucking hates DeSantis. He just resents his popularity," a source close to the former president told Vanity Fair in a report published Thursday.
DeSantis has been picking up steam in GOP politics for months and is widely considered to be a leading contender for the party's presidential nomination in 2024. The Florida governor has appealed to the Republican base with his opposition to COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns, his attacks on President Joe Biden's policies, and his involvement in so-called culture wars, from cracking down on "Big Tech" to rejecting critical race theory.
Both Republicans and Democrats have drawn comparisons between DeSantis and Trump. Florida Democratic Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz told Insider that the governor is "Trump's mini-me." A Republican donor in New York told Politico that many GOP members view DeSantis as a "nicer version of Trump."
"Trump tells people, 'I made Ron,'" a prominent GOP source told Vanity Fair anonymously. "Trump says that about a lot of people. But in this case, it's actually true."
For his part, Trump told Vanity Fair that DeSantis is "a good guy."
"He gives me good credit," the former president added.
The two Republicans have had a close relationship over the past few years. But they may become political rivals in 2024, with Trump hinting at launching another bid for the White House.
Trump maintains a tight grip on the Republican Party and does not seem intent on letting go. In April, the former president said he would consider DeSantis as a potential running mate should he decide to run in 2024.
Trump's "got zero interest in having any heir. It's always been about him," a source close to the former president told Vanity Fair.