Florida Governor Ron DeSantis greeted President Trump on Friday with an unusual token of their political relationship: a gold coin depicting Trump with his middle finger raised and the inscription “YOU MISSED B——.” Trump displayed the coin to reporters upon arrival in Fort Myers, where he was scheduled to hold a rally later in the day.
The coin’s message appears to allude to the multiple assassination attempts against Trump, most notably the July 2024 shooting at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, during which a bullet grazed his ear. The exact target of the phrase remains unclear, but the implication is a taunt aimed at would-be attackers.
The gift underscores the complicated history between the two Republicans. DeSantis first rose to national prominence with Trump’s endorsement in the 2018 Florida gubernatorial race, but their relationship soured when DeSantis challenged Trump for the 2024 GOP nomination. Trump famously dubbed him “Ron DeSanctimonious,” and DeSantis exited the race after a decisive loss in the Iowa caucuses, subsequently endorsing Trump.
Since then, the pair have attempted to patch things up, but friction persists. DeSantis has publicly diverged from Trump on policy matters, including restrictions on Starlink in Ukraine and other issues. More pointedly, Trump has already thrown his support behind Representative Byron Donalds (R-Fla.) in the upcoming Florida gubernatorial primary, effectively backing a successor to DeSantis rather than the outgoing governor’s preferred choice.
Political observers in Florida note that DeSantis and his wife, Casey, have been weighing a potential gubernatorial bid for her, adding another layer of complexity to their ongoing interactions. The coin, while lighthearted on its surface, may carry a sharper political edge given the circumstances.
Trump’s willingness to showcase the gift suggests he views it as a badge of honor, reinforcing his narrative of survival and resilience. The coin’s crudeness, however, also highlights the sometimes unconventional nature of political gift-giving at the highest levels.
This is not the first time Trump has received a provocative present. In 2020, he was given a coin by a supporter with a similar theme. But the DeSantis coin arrives at a moment when the two men are navigating a delicate alliance, with both needing each other’s support for their respective political futures.
As Trump campaigns in Florida, the coin serves as a reminder of the state’s pivotal role in national politics and the intricate web of alliances and rivalries that define the Republican landscape. Whether the gesture will smooth over or further strain their relationship remains to be seen.
