Trump: My endorsements made Ron DeSantis

Former President Donald Trump said Tuesday his endorsements won Ron DeSantis the Florida governor’s seat. But he said DeSantis, now seen as Trump’s primary rival for the GOP presidential nomination, could have been more gracious.

Trump spoke exclusively to NewsNation about DeSantis, midterms and election integrity. The full interview with NewsNation’s Markie Martin will air at 6 p.m. ET/ 5 p.m. CT on NewsNation. Use our Channel Finder page here to learn how to watch NewsNation.

“He was not going to be able to even be a factor in the race,” Trump said, referring to the GOP gubernatorial primary. “And as soon as I endorsed him, within moments, the race was over,” Trump said. “I got him the nomination. He didn’t get it. I got it, because the minute I made that endorsement, he got it.”

DeSantis beat Florida Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam with more than 56% of the vote.