I was expecting to see this story, or one like it, on November 9th. Will be interesting to see if it turns out to be real. I always assumed DeSantis would stay out if Trump runs. I have not seen anything from DeSantis that disabuses me of that notion.
If the story is true, Trump did not have to do this to put everyone on notice that he plays nasty. I think everyone is well aware of that by now.
One thing that leads me to think the story might be phony is that Trump rarely throws the first punch in a political fight. He is well known as a counter-puncher. As far as I know, DeSantis has said nothing negative about Trump at all.