DeSantis to skip CPAC convention as Trump gives keynote address

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis will reportedly skip this week’s conservative CPAC convention, skirting a confrontation with former President Donald Trump.

DeSantis joins ex-Vice President Mike Pence on the no-show list for the normally must-attend right-wing shindig that runs from Wednesday to Saturday outside Washington, D.C.

The potential 2024 GOP presidential candidate will instead travel to Texas and California for Republican events.

It was unclear if DeSantis wants to avoid a popularity contest with Trump, who will deliver a keynote address to the group.

Trump, who announced his comeback presidential bid in November, took a 15% lead over DeSantis in a recent poll, although other surveys have shown DeSantis leading.

The ex-president has ratcheted up attacks on DeSantis in recent weeks, accusing him of being too liberal on COVID restrictions and branding him “disloyal” for refusing to rule out a White House challenge.

DeSantis has mostly avoided counterpunching until he decides to enter the GOP race.

Nikki Haley, the only other announced GOP presidential candidate, will also address the gathering.

Other right-wing bold-face names will also speak, including failed Arizona gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.), who recently called for red states to secede from the union in what she euphemistically calls a “national divorce.”

The conservative gala got a black eye when organizer Matt Schlapp, a leading right-wing activist, was accused of groping a male aide to losing GOP Georgia Senate candidate Herschel Walker.

The staffer filed a $9.4 million lawsuit against Schlapp and his wife Mercedes, alleging sexual battery and defamation. Schlapp denies the claim.

With News Wire Services