Trump seeks last-minute votes ahead of New Hampshire primary
- Trump urges supporters to vote in NH primary, GOP to rally behind him
- Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis exits presidential race and endorses Trump
- Trump: ‘Unlikely’ DeSantis will have a role in a Trump White House
(NewsNation) — Former President Donald Trump is once again feeling confident going into Tuesday’s New Hampshire primary, but his message to supporters is not to be complacent and to get out and vote.
Additionally, he’s called on the rest of the GOP to rally behind him in the 2024 presidential race.
For example, former rival Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis withdrew from the race and immediately pledged his support to Trump. This marks the fourth endorsement for Trump from a former 2024 Republican candidate within one week.
Trump welcomed the endorsement by pronouncing DeSantis’ last name correctly for the first time in this campaign. Trump said Sunday his “DeSanctimonious” moniker for DeSantis was “officially retired.”
Meanwhile, speculation is brewing about DeSantis as a potential vice presidential pick, adding to a growing list that includes South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott, New York Rep. Elise Stefanik and Arizona U.S. Senate candidate Kari Lake.
However, Trump downplayed the prospect of DeSantis having a role in his White House.
“It’s probably unlikely,” Trump told “Fox & Friends” after DeSantis dropped out of the race. “But I have to be honest: Everything’s a possibility, but I think it’s highly unlikely. I have a lot of great people, and I have great people that have been with me right from the beginning.”
Trump added DeSantis had not asked for a position in a possible administration. The governor’s current term runs through 2026.
The Trump campaign now says GOP presidential candidate Nikki Haley might be the next to drop out.
Polling in New Hampshire shows she’s still behind Trump by double digits.
In Hollis, New Hampshire, Donald Trump Jr. declared the race essentially over following DeSantis’ endorsement. Speaking to a packed room of supporters at a vineyard, Trump Jr. emphasized the need for unity within the party.
“We appreciate Ron DeSantis doing what he’s doing. He’s a believer in the America First movement. He’s been a great governor. And again, this is a time, as my father said in Iowa, for us to unify,” stated Trump Jr.
Confirming the support of three former 2024 GOP presidential candidates — South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott, North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum and businessman Vivek Ramaswamy — the Trump campaign in an event tonight aims to strengthen its position. All three recently endorsed Trump, adding momentum to the campaign.
The event is expected to further fuel the ongoing speculation regarding potential vice presidential candidates.