Trump meets with DeSantis in Florida, Doug Burgum moves up VP shortlist: report

People familiar with the meeting told the Washington Post that the meeting was set up by Florida real estate broker Steve Wtikoff with hopes that DeSantis could help raise a large amount of money for the general election.

According to the source, the former president and Florida governor met for several hours and concluded with DeSantis agreeing to help Trump win the election.

Trump and DeSantis had a tumultuous relationship during the campaign, which pitted supporters of each candidate against each other as well. DeSantis endorsed former President Trump when he dropped from the race but has not stepped in to help the former president since.

DeSantis' help on the campaign trail could help raise money for the ticket but also get him back in the good graces of Trump supporters should he decide to run again in 2028.

Another former primary candidate, North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, also revealed that he was going to assist in the former president's campaign. Human Events senior editor Jack Posobiec noted last week that it "feels like Trump is eyeing Doug Burgum for something" after Trump posted his Fox News interview about him to Truth Social.

Early morning Sunday, Axios reported that Burgum had quickly moved up Trump's list of potential vice presidential candidates after he and Melania hosted Burgum and his wife Kathryn at Mar-a-Lago for Easter.

A source told the outlet that former President Trump likes Burgum's "measured demeanor" and his experience as governor. He is seen as a safe choice for the former president to pick for the vice presidential position and aligns with Trump on many issues.

"This guy is the most solid guy. There's no controversy whatsoever," Trump said of Burgum after he dropped out of the race before the Iowa caucuses. "I hope that I'm going to be able to call on him to be a piece of the administration, a very important piece of the administration."