Former Trump ambassador backs DeSantis in 2024, says Trump's 'name-calling has turned a lot of people off'

A former ambassador who served under the Trump administration is backing Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis for the 2024 Republican nomination, saying the former president's "name-calling" is turning away supporters.

Arizona businessman Don Tapia served as the U.S. ambassador to Jamaica from 2019 to 2021. He told Politico on Tuesday that despite his position under the previous administration, he would choose to back DeSantis if the governor ran for president.

"The name-calling has turned a lot of people off," Tapia said of Trump. "Let me tell you, we don’t like that."

While DeSantis hasn't announced a 2024 presidential run, he is frequently floated as a top contender to face off against Trump in the Republican primary. 

The governor is also releasing an autobiography on Feb. 28, titled "The Courage to Be Free: Florida's Blueprint for America's Revival," which is viewed by political pundits as another sign he is readying an announcement.