Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) last week said he disagreed with former President Donald Trump’s (R) decisions to shut down the economy in the early stages of the COVID pandemic. The latest comments from the governor indicate a growing split between DeSantis and Trump as the rumors of the 2024 presidential election swirl.
“I never thought in February, early March, that [the coronavirus] would lead to locking down the country,” said DeSantis on the Ruthless podcast.
DeSantis also said he was caught off guard when the White House was seriously considering shut down options and that he wishes he pushed back harder against those options.
Recently, Trump called some politicians “gutless” for not disclosing their booster status to the public. Many pundits felts Trump’s comments were a subtle jab at DeSantis who has not said if he has received the booster.
“Well, I’ve taken it,” said Trump. “I’ve had the booster. Many politicians–I watched a couple of politicians be interviewed and one of the questions was, ‘Did you get the booster?’ – because they had the vaccine – and they’re answering like–in other words, the answer is ‘yes’ but they don’t want to say it. Because they’re gutless. You gotta say it – whether you had it or not. Say it. But the fact is that I think the vaccines saved tens of millions throughout the world. I’ve had absolutely no side-effects.”
Earlier this month, DeSantis hosted an event at the Governor’s Mansion with notable social media commentators. POLITICO labeled the story as a “conservative lifeline” attempt as Trump seemingly took shots at DeSantis.
“Thanks for dinner, @GovRonDeSantis. I’m no longer an enemy of the state!,” said Dave Rubin, a YouTube commentator. “Florida is the Future.”
Sara Gonzales, a commentator and personality on BlazeTV, said Florida is distinguishing itself under DeSantis’ leadership as a state that prioritizes liberty.
“It’s truly fascinating to watch the ascent of Ron DeSantis,” said Sara Gonzales. “I say this of course, as a native Texan. Florida, under DeSantis’s leadership, has made even Texas look shaky on issues that really matter to the average conservative.”
Gonzales continued her comments by saying DeSantis is growing more and more popular as Trump continues to push the efficacy of the COVID shot.
“I think it would be a mistake for DeSantis not to run. The more Trump makes the mistake of tying the success of the vaccines to his ego, the more he alienates and insults his base,” said Gonzales. “Many people who supported Trump in the last election are hungry for someone with the guts to speak for them without fear of repercussions, but also without the obvious baggage that Trump carries.”
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Grant Holcomb is a reporter at the Florida Capital Star and the Star News Network. Follow Grant on Twitter and direct message tips.
