President Trump and Governor DeSantis Put Rivalry Behind Them to Unite on Immigration and National Security
President Donald J. Trump extended a firm handshake—and forgiveness—to Florida Governor Ron DeSantis during a high-profile event in the Florida Everglades on Tuesday, signaling a renewed alliance focused on ending illegal immigration and restoring law and order.
During his visit to the new migrant detention site—dubbed “Alligator Alcatraz”—Trump addressed DeSantis directly in a moment that made headlines across the country.
“Ron, thank you personally. You’re my friend, and you’ll always be my friend,” President Trump said. “We may have a few more skirmishes, but at the end of the day, we share the same blood, the same fight.”
This emotional show of unity came at a site that represents Trump’s commitment to fixing the border crisis that exploded under Joe Biden’s failed leadership.
Florida Takes the Lead in Trump’s America-First Immigration Agenda
The Everglades-based facility, built with support from the Florida Division of Emergency Management, is designed to hold hundreds of illegal migrants. The effort is part of a state-federal partnership that shows what real leadership looks like when Washington works with conservative governors.
“Florida has been an incredible partner,” Trump said. “This is what happens when states stand up for America’s borders instead of tearing them down.”
The project is funded through the FEMA Shelter and Services Program, which the Biden administration previously used to house asylum seekers in sanctuary cities. Now, under Trump, it’s being used to protect American communities, not reward lawbreakers.
The center will reportedly cost $450 million per year—but supporters argue that cost is nothing compared to the toll illegal immigration takes on American families, jobs, and communities.
DeSantis Applauds Trump’s Tough Military Action Against Iran
Governor DeSantis, a Navy veteran who served in Iraq, praised Trump’s bold leadership on the world stage. He specifically referenced last month’s precision strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities—actions taken after repeated threats to U.S. personnel.
“I saw firsthand what Iran’s regime is capable of,” DeSantis said. “Under Joe Biden, they were on the brink of getting nukes. But President Trump stepped in and crushed those ambitions. That’s the kind of leadership America needs.”
DeSantis called the decision “tough but necessary”—a statement that resonated deeply with veterans and patriots who remember what true deterrence looks like.
A New Chapter: DeSantis and Trump Close the Primary Chapter for Good
Just a year ago, Trump and DeSantis were fierce rivals in the GOP presidential primary. Today, they’re standing shoulder-to-shoulder in the fight to save America from open borders, globalist weakness, and political dysfunction.
After suspending his campaign, DeSantis fully endorsed Trump and has since worked in lockstep with the administration. Earlier this year, he even called a special session of the Florida Legislature to fast-track Trump’s immigration policies—despite backlash from some state Republicans.
Tuesday’s gathering featured key Republican leaders from Florida, including:
- Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.), endorsed by Trump for governor
- State House Speaker Daniel Perez (R)
- Sen. Joe Gruters (R)
- Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson (R)
The event showed a united conservative front, even as speculation grows that First Lady Casey DeSantis may enter the political arena once her husband’s term ends.
Bottom Line: Florida Is Trump Country—and America Is Watching
With DeSantis back in Trump’s corner and Florida leading the way on border enforcement, conservative voters age 50+ are seeing what real leadership looks like again. It’s a clear signal that under President Trump, the rule of law is returning—and America First is back in charge.