I don't think Trump at all believes what he's saying.
He's just playing politics. He's bashing his opponents.
It's like 2016, when he attacked Ted Cruz.
He's just trying to win the nomination.
I thought it was a mistake then, and I still think it's a mistake now.
It might make sense in the short term. Defeat your competitors for the nomination.
But it puts you and the party in a worse position for the general election.
Another thing to remember from 2016 -
Trump would bash his opponents, until they dropped out.
Then he would say, "You're a good guy. Thanks for playing the game."
If I was Ron DeSantis, I would dismiss Trump's statements.
I would say, "I don't take his statements seriously. He's just playing politics.
I'm not going to respond. He can run his campaign however he wants.
I'm going to run on my record as Governor of Florida.
If he wins the nomination, I will support him.
I expect the same from him.
I'm running a positive campaign for the nomination.
I'm saving all my negativity to use against the Democrats.
Look at what they've done to the country!"
And then bash Democrats.
If Ron DeSantis does this, I think he'll prove that he's the better candidate.