The governor’s backers say he is aware of the dangers of appearing to rise too quickly. One Republican consultant close to the governor, who spoke on condition of anonymity to speak freely about DeSantis and Trump, said the governor is “very wary” of eliciting the former president’s rage. “He will take measures so that Trump won’t get mad at him, but believe me, the more successful you are, with Trump, sometimes makes it worse,” the consultant said. “It’s a weird spot to be in for sure.”... “The reality is, right now, everyone has to run these kinds of secret, or indirect, presidential campaigns,” Sabatini said. “Of those trying it, I do think DeSantis has done the best job.” Many in Florida politics point to the irony of the situation. Trump is largely responsible for lifting DeSantis’ profile and helping him secure the governorship three years ago. Trump’s 2018 primary endorsement helped DeSantis beat former Florida Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam, himself a former congressman who was supported by Florida’s entire Republican political establishment and a heavy favorite at the outset of the race. As governor, DeSantis has consistently pushed legislation that appeals to the conservative base and Trump, including a measure aimed at reigning in Big Tech and a bill that restricts some voting access in the state.