According to a report, the unraveling of Ron DeSantis’ megadonor network is picking up speed.
Last week, affluent DeSantis funders expressed extreme concern in a group chat seen by Rolling Stone about the Florida governor’s chances for the presidency and the Republican nomination, especially in the primary against Donald Trump.
One commenter asked what the f**k was wrong with DeSantis when he did not cut short his out-of-state promotional trip and return to Florida to handle the severe flooding in Fort Lauderdale.
Someone else in the discussion asked to know who could lodge a complaint with DeSantis the quickest.
The report shows an uprising among the donors has been simmering for at least a month. Thomas Peterffy and Richard Uihlein aren’t the only benefactors who have expressed concern recently. Some of DeSantis’ biggest backers were outraged by his description of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as a “territorial dispute.” At least one of them called the governor to demand a recant, according to a source.
Another donor complained that if they wanted a f**king MAGA guy, they would donate to Former President Donald Trump.
DeSantis officially recanted his “territorial dispute” remark not long after that.
Earlier reports showed that as Trump, his biggest challenger for the nomination, would be indicted at any time, it should have been beneficial for DeSantis, according to a GOP consultant who spoke with funders in Palm Beach, Florida.
Some potential megadonors may be hesitant to contribute now that they know how difficult it has been for DeSantis.
DeSantis was on a book tour, and the strategist said that despite his barnstorming throughout the nation, his support was falling. Meanwhile, Trump has been indicted and is on the rise. DeSantis’ reputation takes a hit as a result, according to the report.
These donors are still considering backing DeSantis for president, but they are also looking at other potential contenders like Sen. Tim Scott (R-South Carolina) since DeSantis has “fumbled” major situations, according to one source.
