The march through Mar-a-Lago (aka the “Winter White House”) continues this week with a dinner for Republican governors on Thursday, according to two people familiar with the plans. It comes as Trump prepares to host a slew of House Republican groups there this weekend to game plan his ambitious 2025 agenda.
The governors’ convening will offer a chance to reaffirm their loyalty — the biggest currency in Trump world. That’s particularly key for those like ally-turned-rival-turned-ally again, Gov. Ron DeSantis, who will make the trip down from Tallahassee, one of the people familiar said.
But it’s not just a one-way street. Trump will also need these leaders to help execute his biggest priority: mass deportation, which will require coordination and resources at the state level. He’s likely to meet some stiff resistance from blue states, making it all the more important that there is no daylight between red states and the White House.
DeSantis told reporters in Tampa on Tuesday that he has already talked to Trump about immigration and said he wants the state Legislature to take additional steps to help the president-elect. DeSantis, who created a transport program that flew migrants from Texas to Martha’s Vineyard, said with Trump coming into office “we need to be prepared to act.”
The governor did not offer any specifics but said “I think there needs to be some additional legislation to help complement the federal government’s now newfound appreciation to stop illegal immigration and to hold people accountable.”
