Trump, DeSantis Praise Strengthened Partnership Amid 2024 Election Tensions

President Donald Trump and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, once bitter rivals in the 2024 GOP presidential primary, have publicly reconciled and expressed strong mutual respect during their joint visit to Florida's new migrant detention facility, dubbed "Alligator Alcatraz." Trump rated their current relationship as a "10, maybe 9.9" and praised DeSantis for his partnership with the federal government on immigration enforcement. DeSantis highlighted his early endorsement of Trump in 2024 and their effective collaboration on various issues, emphasizing the financial and political benefits Florida provided during Trump's campaign periods. Both leaders lauded the facility, which will house pre-deportation undocumented immigrants and is expected to cost $450 million annually, funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Trump also extended compliments to other Florida officials, signaling a united front within the state's GOP ahead of the 2026 gubernatorial election. Despite the past conflicts, the two men portrayed a renewed alliance centered around shared conservative priorities and cooperation on immigration policy.