Trump brands DeSantis an 'average governor,' gloats over poll surge

Former President Donald Trump blasted prospective GOP primary rival Ron DeSantis on Wednesday, calling the Florida governor "average" and gloating over his own recent surge in the polls.

"Now that Ron DeSanctimonious is finally admitting he’s in the Race by beginning to fight back, and now that his Polls have crashed so he has no other choice, let me explain the facts," Trump posted on Truth Social, using his preferred nickname for the Florida governor.

"He is, for a Republican, an average Governor, he got 1.2 million less Votes in Florida than me, he fought for massive cuts in Social Security and Medicare, and wanted Social Security minimum age to be raised to 70-years-old, or more," he continued. "He is a disciple of Paul Ryan, and did whatever Ryan told him to do."

Trump went on to assert that DeSantis was enjoying the benefits of existing positive trends in the Sunshine State, before asserting that he "put Ron there," referencing his 2018 primary endorsement of DeSantis, after which the now-Florida governor surged in the polls and clinched the nomination.

"The fact is, Ron is an average Governor, but the best by far in the Country in one category, Public Relations, where he easily ranks Number One—But it is all a Mirage, just look at the facts and figures, they don’t lie—And we don’t want Ron as our President!" he concluded.

Polling data has shown Trump consistently gaining over his prospective and declared GOP primary rivals. DeSantis, for his part, has not announced his campaign.

Ben Whedon is an editor and reporter for Just the News. Follow him on Twitter.