- Trump slammed DeSantis in non-public, wrote New York Instances reporter Maggie Haberman in her new e book.
- Citing sources, Haberman wrote that Trump had known as DeSantis “fats” and “whiny.”
- He additionally mentioned Chris Christie, one other rival, had a “weight drawback,” per Haberman’s e book.
Former President Donald Trump has been making impolite feedback in non-public about Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, in accordance with a brand new e book by New York Instances reporter Maggie Haberman.
In an excerpt from “Confidence Man: The Making of Donald Trump and the Breaking of America,” printed by The Atlantic on Sunday, Haberman detailed a gathering she had in the summertime with Trump on the latter’s golf membership in Bedminster, New Jersey.
Throughout the assembly, she spoke with Trump about Christie, considered one of his 2016 election rivals.
“I used to be in comparison with him? Why? I did not know I had that huge of a weight drawback,” Trump informed Haberman, per her account. He additionally known as Christie an “opportunist.”
Haberman additionally wrote that she had heard of Trump utilizing related phrases to explain DeSantis. She additionally recalled studying from sources that Trump had known as DeSantis “fats,” “phony,” and “whiny” whereas additionally taking credit score for the latter clinching the governor’s seat in 2018.
Per the excerpt, Trump informed Haberman that the query he most frequently acquired was whether or not he can be working for president once more.
“The reply is, yeah, I believe so. As a result of here is the best way I take a look at it. I’ve so many wealthy associates and no one is aware of who they’re,” Haberman wrote of Trump’s response.
She added: “Reflecting on the that means of getting been president of the USA, his first impulse was to not point out public service, or what he felt he’d completed, solely that it seemed to be a automobile for fame, and that many experiences had been solely price having if another person envied them.”
Representatives for DeSantis and Christie and an aide at Trump’s post-presidential press workplace didn’t instantly reply to Insider’s requests for remark.
DeSantis and Trump have been posited as main contenders for the 2024 Republican presidential ticket, although neither has made a proper declaration about working within the subsequent election.
In July, a DeSantis consultant informed Insider that DeSantis stays “centered on Florida and working for reelection as governor this 12 months.” Nevertheless, the governor has been boosting his political profile — launching a fundraising blitz that included promoting a gold “Florida First Fighter” card that appeared to resemble the Trump Card.
DeSantis additionally has high-profile supporters, similar to podcast host Joe Rogan, Tesla CEO Elon Musk, and billionaire and Trump megadonor Peter Thiel.
Trump has reacted harshly to the concept that DeSantis may be a possible competitor for the 2024 GOP ticket.
In July, the previous president slammed “Fox & Buddies” for reporting on polls that confirmed DeSantis taking the lead over him, accusing the present’s hosts of getting “gone to the darkish aspect.” Earlier this month, Trump took a swipe at DeSantis, sharing an Insider story about his polling lead over DeSantis by way of his Save America political motion committee.
Rolling Stone additionally just lately reported that Trump was irritated that DeSantis was stealing his limelight with a political stunt that concerned two planeloads of migrants being flown to Martha’s Winery, a Democratic enclave.
In the meantime, Trump additionally fat-shamed Christie on Fact Social after Christie gave an unflattering interview to ABC Information’ “This Week” concerning the Mar-a-Lago raid.
