Former President Trump is gearing up for a rally in Laconia, New Hampshire, on Monday night, just ahead of the state’s primary, and will share the stage with former opponents turned endorsers: Sen. Tim Scott, Vivek Ramaswamy, and Gov. Doug Burgum. This gathering is strategically framed as a “show of force” to underscore the unity within the Republican Party and its readiness to challenge President Joe Biden. With Trump leading polling in double digits against former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, the event is poised to reinforce Trump’s frontrunner status.
A Trump campaign official emphasized that the trio of Scott, Ramaswamy, and Burgum, once opponents and now endorsers, will play a crucial role in drawing a sharp contrast to Joe Biden, offering a preview of the upcoming general election dynamics. This move comes after Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis suspended his presidential campaign, narrowing the GOP primary field to Trump and Haley. Trump’s resounding victory in the Iowa caucuses solidified his position as the front-runner.
DeSantis, in a significant announcement, threw his full support behind Trump, acknowledging that Republican voters are inclined to give Trump another chance. Despite past disagreements, particularly on the handling of the coronavirus pandemic and the elevation of Dr. Anthony Fauci, DeSantis asserted that Trump surpasses the current incumbent, Joe Biden. He highlighted Trump’s resilience against relentless resistance and the Democrats’ use of lawfare to undermine his presidency. DeSantis endorsed Trump over reverting to the “old Republican guard” represented by Nikki Haley.
Trump expressed his honor at receiving DeSantis’ endorsement, stating his anticipation of working together to defeat what he termed as “the worst and most corrupt president in the history of our country,” referring to Biden. While no immediate plans are in place, a Trump campaign official indicated that the door is open for DeSantis to join Trump on the campaign trail. This development signals a strategic alignment within the Republican Party as they focus on the broader goal of winning against the Democrats in the upcoming elections.