Topline
Former President Donald Trump lashed out at Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) on Monday after DeSantis spoke publicly about Trump’s potential indictment over an apparent 2016 hush money payment to a porn star, warning the Florida governor he might face allegations from “a woman, even classmates that are ‘underage’ (or possibly a man!)” as tensions between the two top Republicans accelerate.
Then-President Donald Trump (right) and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis hold a Covid-19 and storm … [+]
Key Facts
Trump said in a Truth Social post that “Ron DeSanctimonious will probably find out about FALSE ACCUSATIONS & FAKE STORIES sometime in the future” before suggesting it could be about a relationship with a man—comments some critics said were homophobic or transphobic.
DeSantis at a news conference Monday morning blasted a Manhattan grand jury investigation into Trump as a “manufactured crisis” but mocked the allegation that landed the former president in legal hot water, saying, “I don’t know what goes into paying hush money to a porn star to secure silence over some type of alleged affair.”
Multiple news outlets have reported Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg could criminally charge Trump this week over his role in a $130,000 payment former fixer Michael Cohen paid porn star Stormy Daniels during the final days of the 2016 presidential campaign to allegedly keep her from going public with details of a rumored affair, which legal scholars speculate could be interpreted as an illegal campaign donation.
Trump in November floated threats against DeSantis if he decides to challenge him for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, saying he could reveal things “that won’t be very flattering,” asserting, “I know more about him than anybody other than perhaps his wife”
DeSantis did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Forbes.
Crucial Quote
“I’m sure he will want to fight these misfits just like I do!” Trump said of DeSantis, referencing the possible reaction of DeSantis if allegations surface.
What To Watch For
Trump said over the weekend he expects to be arrested on Tuesday, but he has not been indicted as of yet. If Trump is charged, he will likely appear at the Manhattan district attorney’s office for fingerprinting and a mugshot before making a plea at an arraignment, after which he will almost certainly be immediately released. New York City police were seen Monday putting up barricades outside of the Manhattan Criminal Courthouse after Trump called for protests if he is indicted. Trump has repeatedly denied having an affair with Daniels and has distanced himself from the payment.
Key Background
Though DeSantis has not officially announced his 2024 campaign, Trump is already treating him as his chief rival for the nomination, attacking him with nicknames like “DeSanctimonious,” “Ron DisHonest” and “Tiny D.” The attacks have largely been one-way, though, as DeSantis has tiptoed around directly attacking Trump, who remains a popular figure in the GOP and the top candidate in early 2024 Republican polling. Trump last month shared an image of a young DeSantis—which he again referenced Monday— appearing to attend a party with students while he taught at a private school in Georgia shortly after graduating from Yale, along with a caption accusing DeSantis of “grooming high school girls with alcohol as a teacher,” which the governor has brushed off. Trump loyalist and former White House Chief Strategist Steve Bannon also blasted DeSantis on his podcast Monday, calling DeSantis’ comments a “weasel approach,” while MyPillow founder Mike Lindell labeled DeSantis “the Trojan horse we thought he was” on Bannon’s show. Two of DeSantis’ former female students told the New York Times they remember DeSantis attending parties where alcohol was served, but they did not accuse him of misconduct and said “we didn’t really think too much about” his presence.
Further Reading
DeSantis Breaks Silence On Possible Trump Charges—And Criticizes N.Y. Prosecutor For ‘Political Agenda’ (Forbes)
Trump Expected To Be Criminally Charged In New York, Report Says (Forbes)
Here’s What Will Happen If Trump Is Arrested (Forbes)
‘DeSanctimonious’ Vs. ‘Chill Out’: Trump’s DeSantis Jabs Are One-Way Attacks (Forbes)
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/nicholasreimann/2023/03/20/trump-suggests-desantis-will-face-allegations-from-underage-girls-or-possibly-a-man-after-speaking-out-on-manhattan-probe/