DeSantis on Trump’s attack: ‘I don't spend my time trying to smear other Republicans’

OCALA, Fla. — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Wednesday responded to former President Donald Trump’s latest attack, saying he won’t “smear” fellow Republicans.

Speaking at a press conference in Ocala, Fla., the GOP governor and likely 2024 presidential candidate was responding to questions on Trump’s latest broadside. On Tuesday, Trump, who already announced he’s running for president, reposted a message on social media sarcastically insinuating DeSantis is grooming teenage girls.

“I spend my time delivering results for the people of Florida and fighting against Joe Biden — That's how I spend my time," DeSantis said. "I don't spend my time trying to smear other Republicans."

DeSantis’ reply was the latest in an ongoing fight between him and Trump, his one-time political benefactor whose endorsement during the 2018 election cycle helped DeSantis win election. Yet their relationship has soured as DeSantis’ clout among Republicans has grown and is increasingly viewed as more electable and better positioned to lead the party.

The strain was also on full display Tuesday when DeSantis hosted a roundtable discussion on media bias and defamation. DeSantis hosted several people at the event, including a conservative lawyer who represents Dominion Voting Systems Inc. in a defamation suit against former NYC mayor Rudy Giuliani and MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell — who are some of Trump’s closest allies.

When asked about Trump’s social media post Wednesday and whether any proposed defamation legislation would apply to Trump, DeSantis said he has a “thick skin” and brushed off the former president’s broadside.

“I would not take time out of being governor to be fighting lawsuits,” he said. “It's just not practical.”