Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis — former 2024 primary rival of Donald Trump — will be speaking at the Republican National Convention next week in Milwaukee, a source familiar with the matter confirmed to The Post.
DeSantis’ presence on the bill was first reported by NBC News, which claimed that the speaking slot was created for the 45-year-old after a “change in schedule.”
The Post could not independently confirm whether that was the case, with a senior official in the DeSantis camp saying: “We’ve consistently been told we would have a speaking slot at the convention and have not been told differently.”
It is unclear which day of the convention DeSantis would speak, as the schedule has not been finalized.
The Florida governor’s relationship with Trump, 78, has been on the mend following a bitter primary campaign that featured personal attacks involving DeSantis’ height and eating habits.
Ultimately, the 45th president has the final say in deciding who will speak at the convention.
“This was a very smart move after Trump lieutenants and RNC staff stupidly strong-armed the platform and rules through the respective committees earlier this week,” a source close to the convention preparations told The Post.
“Yes, the convention is about nominating Trump, but, ultimately, it is a convention of the whole Republican Party,” this person added. “There is a long tradition in both parties of having defeated foes or voices from other elements within the party speak to symbolize that the party is in fact unified.”
DeSantis suspended his 2024 bid on Jan. 21 after coming a distant second place to Trump in the Iowa caucuses. The Florida governor ruled himself out of becoming Trump’s running mate the following month and suggested he would try for the White House again in 2028.
At the time, Trump’s campaign was not amused with what they saw as self-promotion by a beaten rival.
“Ron DeSantis failed miserably in his presidential campaign and does not have a voice in selecting the next Vice President of the United States,” spokesperson Karoline Leavitt told The Post at the time. “Rather than throw cheap shots from afar, Ron should focus on what he can do to fire Joe Biden and Make America Great Again.”
Trump senior adviser Chris LaCivita was even more blunt on X, writing that “chicken fingers and pudding cups is what you will be remembered for you sad little man.”
In April, Trump and DeSantis met face-to-face and agreed to let bygones be bygones.
“I am very happy to have the full and enthusiastic support of Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida,” Trump wrote on Truth Social on April 29.
“We had a great meeting yesterday,” he added. “The conversation mostly concerned how we would work closely together to MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN. Also discussed was the future of Florida, which is FANTASTIC!”
“I greatly appreciate Ron’s support in taking back our Country from the Worst President in the History of the United States,” Trump said. “November 5th is a BIG DAY!!!”