In competing public appearances, Governor Ron DeSantis positioned himself as a defender of the religious right, while the former president attacked his opponent with tried-and-true catchphrases.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and former President Donald J. Trump sparred in front of two groups of social conservatives on Friday in Washington, highlighting the importance that evangelical voters are likely to have in the presidential primary.
Mr. DeSantis made his most passionate pitch yet as a presidential contender for a social conservative agenda and committed to fight what he dubbed the left’s “woke mind virus.” He also promised to “put on the full armour of God” in his fight for the religious right.
On Friday night, Mr. DeSantis told the Pray Vote Stand Summit, hosted by the Family Research Council, “The battle lines are clear: We must win the fight to restore religious freedom as the founding fathers intended it.” He also pledged to establish new laws.
Speaking concurrently at another social conservative event less than two miles away, Mr. Trump said that he had served the religious right well as president and would do so again.