Trump says liberal media's reported rift he has with DeSantis 'totally fake news'

Former President Trump says his perceived rift with Florida GOP Gov. Ron DeSantis is "fake news." 

Trump made the comment Thursday night on the Fox News Channel's "Hannity" show several days after a news report about his political friendship with DeSantis being tested as they remain the likely top-two GOP primary candidates in the 2024 presidential election cycle. 

"I get along great with Ron," Trump said. "He's been a friend of mine for a long time. It's totally fake news. I think Ron said last week, he said it very publicly: The press is never going to get in the middle of my friendship with Donald Trump."

The perceived rift also appears connected to Trump recently saying politicians who refuse to disclose whether they've received a COVID-19 booster shot are "gutless," according to Politico.

Trump says he's gotten the booster, while DeSantis has declined to say whether he has.

Trump in the interview also commended DeSantis' efforts during the Justice Department's so-called “Mueller" investigation into whether the 2016 Trump campaign colluded with Russia to influence that year’s presidential race. 

"Ron was very good on the Mueller hoax," Trump said about DeSantis while serving in Congress. "He was right in front along with [Ohio GOP Rep.] Jim Jordan and all of the rest of them."

Trump endorsed DeSantis’ subsequent and successful 2018 run for Florida governor, with reelection in November of this year.