DeSantis challenges Trump to debate: ‘Say it to my face’
After a debate that saw Gov. Ron DeSantis take multiple shots at former President Donald Trump in his absence, DeSantis is now challenging Trump to a one-on-one matchup.
“Since the former president didn’t come here, maybe he would be willing to do one with you and I,” DeSantis told Fox News host Sean Hannity after the debate. “I think he owes it to our voters to come and make the case.”
DeSantis repeated those comments during a Fox News interview Thursday morning, adding that Trump likes to trash him but “It’s one thing to do it behind a keyboard, step on stage and do it to my face. I’m ready for it.”
DeSantis later posted similar comments on X, daring Trump to “say it to my face.”
With Trump’s polling lead growing in recent weeks and DeSantis sinking further behind, the governor has been under pressure to confront Trump more forcefully and directly.
That was evident Wednesday when DeSantis went after Trump during his first opportunity to speak. Trump has skipped the first two GOP presidential primary debates.
“Where’s Joe Biden? He’s completely missing in action from leadership and you know who else is missing in action? Donald Trump is missing in action,” DeSantis said during the debate. “He should be on this stage tonight. He owes it to you to defend his record where they added $7.8 trillion to the debt, that set the stage for the inflation that we have.”
DeSantis later criticized Trump’s recent comments on abortion.
It’s not surprising that DeSantis wants to debate Trump one-on-one. As he slips further behind Trump and closer to the pack of other GOP presidential contenders, it has been more difficult for DeSantis to make the case that the GOP primary is a two person race between him and Trump.
Still, the change of tone toward Trump is notable. DeSantis has been careful in how he takes on Trump, wary of alienating GOP voters.
Trump campaign senior adviser Jason Miller dismissed the idea of a one-on-one debate in a comment to Fox News Digital.
“Rob DeSanctimonious? The loser in 5th place in New Hampshire? His pathetic campaign is over. Good night, sweet prince,” Miller said.