President Donald Trump and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis appeared together this week at the grand opening of a newly built migrant detention center in the Everglades, marking a visible shift in their political relationship following their 2024 primary rivalry, as reported by Fox News.
Trump and DeSantis, joined by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, toured the facility, nicknamed “Alligator Alcatraz,” which was constructed in just eight days using emergency powers exercised by the governor.
The center is located on a former airstrip surrounded by swamp territory.
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“The relationship between the governor and the president is fantastic,” DeSantis communications director Bryan Griffin told Fox News Digital following the event.
During the press conference at the site, Trump praised DeSantis for the rapid completion of the facility. “Ron worked beautifully with Kristi (Noem) and all of the people at Homeland Security and got it done in how many days, Ron?” Trump asked.
“Eight days, a new facility was up and running,” DeSantis responded.
The event highlighted a marked change from just 18 months earlier, when the two were locked in a contentious Republican presidential primary.
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DeSantis, once considered Trump’s leading challenger, suspended his campaign in January 2024 following a distant second-place finish in the Iowa caucuses. He endorsed Trump shortly thereafter and has since actively campaigned on his behalf.
“I would say it’s a 10. I think it’s a 10,” Trump said when asked about their relationship. He added, “Maybe 9.9 because, you know, might be a couple of little wounds.”
DeSantis has become a key ally in President Trump’s aggressive immigration enforcement agenda. Earlier this year, he signed sweeping immigration measures into law following a compromise with Florida’s Republican-controlled legislature.
“This is going to be a force multiplier,” DeSantis said during a recent Fox News interview. “We’re happy to work with the federal government to satisfy President Trump’s mandate.”
The governor also extended an invitation for the president to visit the detention facility again. “We can land Air Force One right there, no problem,” DeSantis said. “I think the president would be impressed with what the guys are doing out here.”
Trump added, “Ron and I have had a really great relationship for a long period of time. We had a little off period for a couple of days, but it didn’t last long.”
While the president and governor appear to have mended their political alliance, signs of friction remain. White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, a longtime Trump advisor, previously had a falling out with DeSantis during her time advising his campaign.
Also present at the event was Rep. Byron Donalds, a staunch Trump ally and declared candidate for the 2026 Florida gubernatorial race.
Donalds received Trump’s endorsement earlier this year. Meanwhile, Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis has reportedly considered entering the same race. When asked if she should run, Trump replied, “We get along great.”
Governor DeSantis reaffirmed his loyalty during the event, stating, “I endorsed him immediately, in January 2024. I raised one of his PACs millions and millions of dollars.”
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