Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA) said on Friday’s episode of the Fox Business Network’s Fox Business Tonight that Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) has done a fantastic job as Governor.
According to Breitbart News‘ report, the congressman called former President Donald Trump’s failure to give DeSantis credit where credit is due “sour grapes.”
The lawmaker said Trump has “got to get over the idea that just because somebody else has ambition, you need to start calling them names.”
Host Edward Lawrence questioned his guest, “[A]s you know, there’s been a rift in Florida that’s forming. Gov. Ron DeSantis winning and turning some of those counties that President Biden won, he’s turning them red, when you have now former President Donald Trump calling that Governor names. What do you make of this rift?” Lawrence asked.
“Superstar”
Issa responded, “Well, Ron DeSantis was a superstar on my committee. He worked for me on the Oversight Committee. He’s done a great job as Governor.”
“And I think it’s sour grapes by the former president not to give credit where credit was due. I was an appointee of President Trump’s.”
“I appreciate a lot of things, but he’s got to get over the idea that just because somebody else has ambition, you need to start calling them names,” the guest went on.
“The fact is, Gov. DeSantis, along with Gov. Youngkin, and a host of other people, Asa Hutchinson, these are all great Republican leaders who may seek the nomination of our party. And they all deserve to be considered,” the representative concluded.
Increased attacks
Donald Trump increased his criticism of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis on Thursday, possibly because he sees DeSantis as a potential rival for the Republican nomination for president in 2024.
Trump attacked DeSantis in a lengthy message that was also posted on his social media website, Truth Social, calling him an “average” governor who profited from “excellent Public Relations.” He also referred to DeSantis as “Ron DeSanctimonious,” a new derisive moniker.
In his statement, Trump touted himself as being a key supporter of DeSantis during the 2018 Florida gubernatorial primary, when DeSantis competed against Adam Putnam for the GOP nomination. Trump also included characteristic complaints about his media coverage and repeated unfounded claims of election fraud.
“He was politically dead,” Trump argued of DeSantis at the time, saying his own support had been key to the primary win. “And now, Ron DeSanctimonious is playing games! The Fake News asks him if he’s going to run if President Trump runs [in 2024], and he says, ‘I’m only focused on the Governor’s race, I’m not looking into the future.’ Well, in terms of loyalty and class, that’s really not the right answer.”