Ok... i'll hold off commenting until this is verified. Fair nuff.
I put on a slime suit and read the NY Times article... (small exert below)
I brought up another potential future primary rival, by mentioning that he had been compared to New Jersey’s feisty Governor Chris Christie before the two men faced off in the 2016 primary. Trump replied, “I was compared to him? Why? I didn’t know I had that big of a weight problem.” A small smirk followed. Then: “He’s an opportunist.” I heard that Trump was describing Florida Governor Ron DeSantis in similar terms, calling him “fat,” “phony,” and “whiny,” while claiming credit for making his candidacy in 2018.
I ain't a Trump fan, but sound like she only admits to supposeable (<-- spell check says that ain't a word, but I am Southern) hearing of it... Which means I highly doubt it can be proved Trump said it... That said the article did provide a few quotes of Trumpism hatred towards others that are suppose to be on the right.
Did Trump say it???, who knows, in private we say a lot of things that we don't say in public. Can it be proved as anything other than her wishful wanting to hear it in person, probable not.
Just my two cents...