Well, they don't want to, because they're still in thrall. Full-bore TDS. But they know they may have to when the whole charade becomes so freaking (isn't it already?) obvious that they know they won't be able to be anywhere near it.
They know that we all know they sold their soul, so this will have to be a careful dance. They know they can't simply throw him under the bus -- ironic, since HE would do that to THEM -- so they'll try not to be too clumsy about it.
Right now, the line is, "he was the greatest President ever, but he has too much baggage now." The question will be whether De Santis is willing to be as shameless as Trump was. Otherwise, Lake is playing the game and ready to go.