Ron DeSantis stirred up controversy with his sharp criticism of former GOP rival Nikki Haley for her surprising refusal to endorse Donald Trump.

In a striking interview with Newsmax, DeSantis didn’t hold back, accusing Haley of breaking her promise to the party. “You sign the pledge saying that you’re going to not take your ball and go home. So, I honored the pledge,” DeSantis stated firmly.

He went on, with a clear tension in his words, “She’s gonna have to make a decision about whether she wants to or not, but the idea that somehow circumstances have changed, I think we all knew what we were doing when we did that.” DeSantis’s words highlighted the growing divide within the Republican Party as they navigate the aftermath of the Trump era.

Haley’s refusal to endorse Trump, despite suspending her campaign, has sparked intense debate among Republicans. Despite only winning one primary, Haley remained resolute, saying, “As much as everybody wants to go and push me out, I’m not ready to get out yet. I’m still sitting there fighting for the people that want a voice.”

With Trump gathering significant delegate support, many in the GOP are rallying behind him for the nomination. Allies of the former president, like Sarah Huckabee Sanders, urged Haley to step aside and support Trump’s bid.

The clash between Haley and DeSantis reflects the broader power struggle within the Republican Party as they gear up for the 2028 presidential race. Whether Haley will eventually endorse Trump remains uncertain, but DeSantis’s strong words leave little doubt about his stance on the matter.