Former President Donald Trump launched a scathing attack on Florida Governor Ron DeSantis during Florida\'s annual Republican summit, referring to him as "a wounded falling bird from the skies." The summit, known as the Freedom Summit, took place at the Gaylord Palms Resort in Kissimmee and featured several other candidates, including former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, former Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson, Senator Tim Scott, and businessman Vivek Ramaswamy. All the candidates filed to appear in the state\'s 2024 primary and addressed an enthusiastic crowd decked out in red, white, and blue attire. However, Trump\'s presence seemed to overshadow the proceedings.

During his speech, Trump revealed that his advisors had urged him not to criticize DeSantis, but he disregarded their advice and proceeded to attack the governor. He likened him to a wounded bird and claimed that hitting him hard had caused his downfall. Throughout the day-long event, Republican voters, lawmakers, and enthusiasts flocked to the summit, which also featured various merchandise booths.

One notable moment came when Chris Christie took the stage and was greeted with boos from the crowd. The negative reception continued throughout his 15-minute speech, but Christie defiantly pushed through, denouncing the audience\'s anger against the truth. He expressed frustration with their support for increasing national debt, emphasizing that future generations would pay the price.

Former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley was notably absent from the summit, despite her rising popularity in recent polls. No reason was given for her absence, but her campaign declined to comment. The absence of Haley, who is currently in second place in early states like Iowa, New Hampshire, and South Carolina, highlights the dominance of Trump in the Republican party.

DeSantis, on the other hand, received a warm welcome in his home state of Florida. He was accompanied by his wife and young son as he officially filed for the primary. In his speech, DeSantis highlighted his accomplishments as governor, positioning himself as a successful model for the Republican party.

The night concluded with Trump\'s hour-long speech, which drew the largest audience of any candidate. Many attendees specifically paid the entrance fee just to see the former president. Trump attacked President Biden, referring to him as “Sleepy Joe” and "Crooked Joe." He also made derogatory comments about Haley and continued to make false claims about the 2020 election.

Trump addressed various issues during his speech, including immigration, inflation, and energy independence. He promised "mass deportation" for undocumented immigrants and reaffirmed his plans to build a wall on the southern border. Trump criticized Biden\'s response to the immigration crisis, referencing a migrant caravan in Mexico.

Outside the auditorium, a merchandise booth captured the mood of the event. Trump merchandise sold quickly, while DeSantis merchandise was discounted, with caps selling for just $5.

The ongoing rivalry between Trump and DeSantis has defined the presidential primary race in Florida. Despite DeSantis\'s attempts to challenge Trump, the former president\'s hold on the Republican party remains strong. DeSantis has been losing ground in recent months, with Trump\'s allies actively recruiting defectors. This dynamic was evident in the endorsements of several state lawmakers who switched their support from DeSantis to Trump.

The rivalry between the two candidates will continue with the third Republican debate in Miami, which Trump is skipping to hold a rally in Hialeah. DeSantis criticized Trump\'s decision but did not address it during the summit. Trump\'s popularity among Republicans in Florida was evident at the summit, with many loyal followers expressing disappointment in DeSantis for challenging the former president. The ongoing feud between the two candidates underscores the challenges DeSantis faces in trying to emerge as a viable contender in the race.