After Ron DeSantis’ 2024 presidential exit, President Donald Trump abolished the epithet “DeSanctimonious.” Trump announced the retirement of the moniker during a campaign rally in New Hampshire after DeSantis withdrew from the GOP presidential race and backed him before the New Hampshire primary.
Nikki Haley Emerges as Primary Opponent After DeSantis Exit
The former UN Ambassador, Nikki Haley becomes Trump’s primary opponent without DeSantis. The label “DeSanctimonious” came from rumors that DeSantis would challenge Trump in the GOP after the 2022 midterms. DeSantis called the nickname “petty” and “juvenile.”
DeSantis praised Trump and pledged to support him in a Sunday video. He warned against Nikki Haley’s “old Republican guard” of “warmed-over corporatism.”
DeSantis declared his 2024 presidential campaign on Elon Musk’s Twitter in May 2023. In May 2023, Trump called DeSantis’ campaign a “total disaster” and “unelectable.” Other famous Republican presidential contenders, including Chris Christie and Vivek Ramaswamy, have dropped out.
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Trump Retires ‘DeSanctimonious’ Nickname
Niki Haley complimented DeSantis for his strong race and wished him success in a brief statement on Sunday. After retiring the “DeSanctimonious” nickname, the GOP’s focus is now on the remaining contenders, particularly Nikki Haley, in the Republican primary.
The nickname’s retirement underscores Trump’s enduring impact and the Republican Party’s changing dynamics as contenders prepare for 2024.