Former Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson faced loud boos from a crowd of GOP activists in Orlando on Saturday after criticizing former President Donald Trump. The incident highlights the strong support Trump continues to enjoy among the Republican base.
Hutchinson, speaking at the event, emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of law and maintaining integrity as a country. He warned against ignoring the destructive behavior of the former president, stating that doing so would be at our own peril. However, his comments were drowned out by the boos from the crowd, with someone even shouting, “go home!”
This moment reveals the tension within the GOP as the presidential primary enters a critical phase, with just two months to go before voting begins in Iowa. Trump currently dominates the field, and his opponents, including Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, are struggling to find a way to challenge him without alienating the GOP base.
Trump, taking advantage of the Orlando gathering, showcased his strength against DeSantis on his home turf. Five lawmakers who had previously endorsed DeSantis switched their endorsements to Trump, further bolstering the former president’s position.
Both Trump and DeSantis are scheduled to speak at the Florida Freedom Summit, an event organized by the Republican Party of Florida. DeSantis will take the stage first, followed by Trump as the keynote speaker. Florida has been a stronghold of support for DeSantis, with many GOP members of the state legislature endorsing him. However, despite his popularity within the state, DeSantis has struggled to gain national momentum.
Trump, on the other hand, maintains a strong lead in national polls and key early states. He is keen on asserting his dominance over DeSantis in Florida, their shared home state, which could further deflate DeSantis’ struggling campaign.
The endorsement flips from DeSantis to Trump have been significant. Last month, Florida state Rep. Randy Fine, a prominent Jewish Republican, switched his endorsement, citing DeSantis’ inadequate response to antisemitism. Florida U.S. Sen. Rick Scott also endorsed Trump over DeSantis last week, adding to DeSantis’ challenges.
In a move reported by The Messenger, the Trump campaign unveiled seven more Florida endorsements, including state Sen. Debbie Mayfield and state Representatives Jessica Baker, Webster Barnaby, Alina Garcia, Kevin Steele, Mike Beltran, and David Borrero.
Hutchinson’s criticism of Trump and the subsequent boos he faced underscore the deep loyalty and popularity the former president continues to enjoy within the GOP base. As the presidential primary progresses, it remains to be seen how Trump’s dominance will impact other Republican candidates like DeSantis.
