McCarthy Thinks Trump Has Nomination Secured, Says DeSantis Is ‘Not On The Same Level’

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) told Fox News host Maria Bartiromo that former President Donald Trump will be the Republican nominee in 2024 during this week’s episode of Sunday Morning Futures. The longtime GOP House leader also expressed disappointment with the campaign from Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, stating he is “not on the same level” as the former president.

“What’s your take on this, that as we see more indictments of Donald Trump, he seems to be gaining in terms of popularity with the public? Will he be the nominee?” Bartiromo asked.

McCarthy agreed that Trump would be the nominee in 2024, adding that he is even stronger now than he was in 2016. “I think he will be the nominee. President Trump is stronger today than he was in 2016 or 2020, and there’s a reason why,” McCarthy said. “They saw the policies of what he was able to do with America, putting America first making our economy stronger. We didn’t have inflation. We didn’t have these battles around the world. We didn’t look weak around the world.”

Bartiromo then asked about DeSantis and the potential for a government shutdown. “Well, it looks like Ron DeSantis is now trying to work with your colleagues who are pushing for a shutdown,” the Fox News host stated.

“Yeah, but I don’t think that would work anywhere. A shutdown would only give strength to the Democrats. It would give the power to Biden,” McCarthy replied. “President Trump is beating Biden right now in the polls. He’s stronger than he has ever been in this process. And, look, I served with Ron DeSantis. He’s not at the same level as President Trump by any shape or form. He would not have gotten elected without President Trump’s endorsement.”

McCarthy has yet to make a formal endorsement in the presidential race, though he has repeatedly praised the former president in interviews and press conferences. Trump also endorsed McCarthy when he was battling to regain his position as speaker this past January.