Trump and DeSantis meet to make peace, discuss fundraising

Former president Donald Trump met privately with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis over the weekend, according to three people familiar with the discussion, marking a detente between the former rivals after a brutal primary contest marked by insults and bruised egos.

The meeting, which lasted three hours, was organized to help the men bury the hatchet and discuss potential joint fundraising efforts, according to one of the people, who spoke on condition of anonymity to share details of the private get-together. The governor, during the conversation, committed to helping Trump as he faces President Joe Biden in the general election, the person said.

The meeting, which was first reported by The Washington Post, was orchestrated by Florida real estate investor Steve Witkoff, who knows both men.

Witkoff did not immediately respond to a request for comment through his office.

DeSantis has a deep network of donors from his runs for governor and president. Though he endorsed Trump when he dropped his bid for the GOP nomination in a video after failing to gain traction, he has yet to campaign or fundraise on Trump’s behalf.

The GOP primary was marked by a bitter rivalry between the two men, who had once been allies. Trump lambasted DeSantis as disloyal and nicknamed him Ron “DeSanctimonious,” while DeSantis suggested Trump would lose again in November.

SportsPlus

Local News

Law enforcement working for safe Mardi Gras in SW La.

Crime

1/13: Calcasieu Parish Sheriff announces arrest list

Crime

UPDATE: Suspect took deputy’s taser, used it against him

Crime

Two charged with assault in connection to weekend shooting

Crime

UPDATE: Arrest made in deputy-involved shooting

Local News

Louisiana makes progress on teacher shortages but truancy issues remain

Local News

State Supreme Court upholds state authority to clear homeless encampments

life

On Campus: SW La. students recognized for achievements

McNeese Sports

Cowboys win slugfest, alone in first

McNeese Sports

Cowgirls fall at home

Local News

Environmental stewards: SW La. Master Naturalists promote appreciation for natural world

Crime

BREAKING: Jeff Davis Sheriff’s deputy hospitalized after shooting

Jim Beam

Jim Beam column:Vaccines protect our children

Local News

The Informer: Treasure trove of historic photos rediscovered — and we want to share them with y’all

Crime

1/10: Calcasieu Parish Sheriff announces arrest list

Crime

Nine overdoes in Jennings reported in one week

Local News

Report: Louisiana struggles with population exodus

life

Mardi Gras art symbolic of rebirth

life

SW La. nightlife calendar: There’s always something to do

Local News

Judge sentences Donald Trump in hush money case but declines to impose any punishment

Crime

Kinder mother arrested for abuse after striking child with plastic utensil, making the child wear a trash bag

life

McNeese State student exhibition shows off creative outlet for young artists

Local News

Fleming tells Chamber about school, unclaimed cash websites

Crime

Lt. Laura Janise is the new assistant police chief for Welsh