Live ticker for US midterms: Trump threatens DeSantis

Former President Donald Trump has threatened to disfavor Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis if he runs for the White House in 2024. Trump told Fox News Digital on Tuesday that he could say “not particularly flattering things” about DeSantis. “I know more about him than anyone—except maybe his wife.”

On Monday, Trump announced a “very big announcement” for November 15. His candidacy for the 2024 presidential election has long been hinted at.

The 76-year-old remains popular among Republican voters. Some Republican politicians who broke with him after his lies about presidential election fraud were ostracized by the party.

But nationally, Trump is so controversial that many Republicans, such as DeSantis or his former vice president Mike Pence, are expected to challenge him with their own nominations. DeSantis, 44, is positioned on the right and is seen as a particularly strong contender.

“If he starts, it’s going to be very painful for him,” Trump said of the Florida governor. “I think he will make a mistake. I think it will not be good for the party.