In a recent development, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is now expected to speak at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee next week. Despite not initially having a role at the event, a source familiar with the plans informed CNN.
The exact night DeSantis will deliver his remarks remains unclear at this time, as reported by the source.
This decision follows backlash from supporters of DeSantis and former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley after they were initially left out of the convention program, as reported by CNN on Tuesday.
A senior DeSantis official confirmed that the governor’s team had always been under the impression that he would have a speaking slot at the convention and had not been informed otherwise.
NBC News first reported on the news of DeSantis’ expected role at the convention.
The relationship between DeSantis and former President Donald Trump, who were once rivals in the GOP presidential primary, has improved in recent months. DeSantis, who endorsed Trump after ending his own presidential campaign in January, met with Trump in Florida in April and expressed willingness to fundraise for him.
Trump’s team is also deliberating whether to extend an invitation to Nikki Haley to speak at the convention. Haley recently released her delegates to the convention and expressed support for Trump, despite not being invited herself.
Sources familiar with the discussions revealed that an invitation to Haley may still be forthcoming, with details being worked out.
In a recent interview, Trump mentioned that he would consider inviting Haley to speak at the convention, acknowledging their past history of contention during the primary race. Nonetheless, he expressed willingness to reassess the situation.
CNN’s Kit Maher and Kate Sullivan contributed to this report.
