Donald Trump says Ron DeSantis feud claims “totally fake news”

Donald Trump has denied reports of a rift between him and Ron DeSantis, insisting the claims are “totally fake news.”

Speaking to Fox News’ Sean Hannity, the former president said: “I get along great with Ron” and that he is doing a “terrific job” as governor in Florida.

“Ron was very good on the [Special Counsel Robert] Mueller hoax. He was right up front along with Jim Jordan and all of the rest, they were fantastic. The Republicans really stuck together and it was a great thing,” Trump said.

“He’s been a friend of mine for a long time. It’s totally fake news. I think Ron said last week, he said it very publicly—The press is never going to get in the middle of my friendship with Donald Trump,” he added.

“He said that, and I agree with him on that 100 percent. I have a very good relationship with Ron and I intend to have it for a long time.”

The denial came after reports that there is a feud between Trump and DeSantis, claiming the former president is starting to turn on one of his biggest allies in the GOP.

Just days ago Axios, citing unnamed sources, reported that Trump doesn’t consider DeSantis a threat for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination if they both decide to run, allegedly saying he has “no personal charisma and has a dull personality.”

Trump is also said to be unhappy with DeSantis for refusing to say he has no intentions of putting his name in the hat for the candidacy when others “have stated pretty clearly” they would not challenge him.

While Trump is still the overwhelming favorite to be the next Republican presidential candidate, DeSantis frequently stands as the second choice of voters and has been closing the gap on Trump in the polls.

Trump also appeared to make a thinly veiled attack on DeSantis while criticizing “gutless” politicians who won’t confirm or deny if they have had the COVID vaccine booster during a recent interview with the One America News Network.

Although Trump didn’t mention DeSantis by name, the governor has refused to directly answer questions on whether he has received the third dose of the vaccine in recent weeks.

“I’ve had the booster. Many politicians—I watched a couple of politicians be interviewed and one of the questions was, ‘Did you get the booster?’ because they had the vaccine, and they’re answering like—in other words, the answer is ‘yes’ but they don’t want to say it because they’re gutless,” Trump said.

DeSantis has been contacted for comment.