Trump Responds to Tim Scott’s Entry Into the Presidential Race, and Can't Help Taking Swipe at DeSantis

Sen. Tim Scott has announced his intention to run for president in the 2024 election. As RedState’s Jennifer Oliver O’Connell reported, the senator made the announcement on Monday in front of a crowd at Charleston Southern University in South Carolina.

He gave a rousing speech that touched on themes such as personal responsibility instead of reliance on government. He also recounted his story as a child being raised by his single mother.

Scott’s announcement was received mostly positively from folks on the right. The left made their usually racist remarks about a black Republican running for the presidency, but who cares what they think?

Former President Donald Trump was quick to congratulate Scott on his announcement and wished him luck. As is typical for the former president, he couldn’t resist taking the opportunity to make yet another jab at Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. In a post on Truth Social, he wrote:

Good luck to Senator Tim Scott in entering the Republican Presidential Primary Race. It is rapidly loading up with lots of people, and Tim is a big step up from Ron DeSanctimonious, who is totally unelectable. I got Opportunity Zones done with Tim, a big deal that has been highly successful. Good luck Tim!

He just can’t help himself!

😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/tCPpfnW1Qi

— Jeff Charles, Jenn Van Laar’s Bodyguard🏴 (@jeffcharlesjr) May 22, 2023

Opportunity Zones have become an integral part of Sen. Scott’s branding. He is known for championing the initiative and partnering with then- Pres. Trump to do so. These zones are designated areas within the United States that aim to stimulate economic development and investment in economically distressed communities. They were established as part of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, with the goal of encouraging long-term investments in low-income urban and rural areas.

By offering tax incentives to investors, such as deferral and reduction of capital gains taxes, Opportunity Zones aim to attract private capital and drive economic growth in communities that have historically faced economic challenges. The program intends to spur job creation, improve infrastructure, and foster revitalization efforts, ultimately creating a positive impact on both the local communities and investors involved.

Scott struck a positive tone during his speech. His candidacy is still a long shot, but in a field of contenders who will likely take a more aggressive and cutthroat approach, his relaxed, positive style could set him apart.

Still, Trump still enjoys a healthy lead over the rest of the field with DeSantis coming in at a distant second place. The governor is expected to announce his candidacy later this week, which will give him a bump in the polls. But for now, it appears the primary race is Trump’s to lose.

There is also the very real possibility that Scott is running to get more recognition on the national stage, rather than trying to make a bid for the White House. Indeed, many have speculated the same about most of the others who have thrown their hats into the ring. After the dust settles from the primary races, at least some of these individuals will be vying to become the eventual nominee’s running mate, which could better position them for the Oval Office in later elections. Others might be seeking to win a cabinet position. Regardless of the outcome, Scott’s presence in the race might make for some interesting conversations surrounding black Republicans on the national stage.