‘Thank you Ron’: Trump praises DeSantis over Florida immigration push
President-elect Trump is commending Florida Governor Ron DeSantis for his efforts to push a special legislative session to implement Trump’s anticipated immigration crackdown. In a social media post on Tuesday, Trump expressed his gratitude towards DeSantis and encouraged other governors across the nation to follow Florida’s lead.
DeSantis has called for a special legislative session in Florida on January 27 with the objective of positioning the state to assist in implementing Trump’s promise of a significant deportation of individuals who entered the U.S. unlawfully. The governor is advocating for increased law enforcement funding and other reforms to support the Trump administration’s immigration initiatives.
“State and local officials in Florida must assist the Trump administration in enforcing our nation’s immigration laws,” DeSantis stated to reporters on Monday. He emphasized the need for legislation to impose additional responsibilities on local officials, provide funding, and ensure accountability for violating anti-sanctuary policies. DeSantis also highlighted the importance of removing incentives for individuals to enter the state illegally.
Despite Republicans holding a super majority in Florida’s legislature, some GOP legislative leaders consider DeSantis’ call for a special session premature. However, DeSantis’ advocacy for Trump’s immigration agenda and Trump’s praise indicate ongoing efforts to mend their relationship following a contentious showdown during the 2024 GOP presidential nomination race.
DeSantis, who was a rival to Trump in 2023 and early 2024, reconciled with Trump after the latter secured the nomination and supported Trump’s campaign fundraising efforts during the general election. Additionally, DeSantis spoke at the Republican National Convention last summer.
In a recent development, Trump briefly contemplated nominating DeSantis as defense secretary if his initial nominee, Pete Hegseth, encountered difficulties in the confirmation process. However, Hegseth persevered through the challenges and proceeded with his confirmation hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee on Tuesday.
The collaboration between DeSantis and Trump underscores their shared commitment to advancing conservative policies, including immigration enforcement. As Florida prepares for the special legislative session, the partnership between the two Republican leaders signals a unified approach to addressing critical issues facing the state and the nation.
