Trump snubs Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis by leaving him out of pre-election rally in Miami

Don to Ron: You’re not invited!

Former President Donald Trump left Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis off his invitation list for a planned pre-election day rally with Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) in Miami.

Trump announced Rubio as a “special guest” for the rally on Sunday, Nov. 6 and noted that he has endorsed the onetime rival, a step he has not taken for DeSantis.

[ DeSantis snubs Trump endorsement in possible message about 2024 ]

Trump even took credit for Florida Republican wins in 2018, a dig at DeSantis, who led the GOP ticket in the Sunshine State and won his first term as governor that year.

“Trump delivered a historic red wave in Florida in the 2018 midterms with his slate of endorsed candidates up and down the ballot,” he said in a rally announcement that did not even mention DeSantis by name. “(Trump) molded the Sunshine State into the MAGA stronghold it is today.”

A DeSantis aide called the snub by Trump “an elbow to the throat” of DeSantis, who has angered Trump by considering a 2024 run for the White House, Politico reported.

Trump framed the rally as part of an effort to boost Republican Senate candidates like Rubio.

But with both Rubio and DeSantis comfortably ahead of Democratic rivals in polls, the move appears to be an opening salvo from Trump at DeSantis as he gears up for a 2024 race.

[ Donald Trump eyes early launch to 2024 White House run, casting shadow over midterms ]

Trump has repeatedly said he plans to mount a comeback run for the White House. He has put off launching his 2024 campaign, but attention will likely quickly turn to 2024 as soon as the midterms are in the rearview mirror.

DeSantis has angered Trump by refusing to vow to skip the race if Trump runs, a pledge some other Republicans have taken.

Latest national polls indicate DeSantis is now the strongest would-be rival to Trump within the GOP, although the former president remains the most popular and powerful figure in the party.