Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has been making headlines recently for a variety of reasons. On Friday, DeSantis was interrupted by protestors during his speech to the New Hampshire GOP’s annual fundraising dinner (Fox News). However, according to NBC News, DeSantis received a warm welcome in Trump-friendly Ohio where he has been gaining a lot of support due to his strong political influence and hardline stance on immigration.
DeSantis’ recent signing of a bill in Florida approving a six-week abortion ban has also garnered attention (The Guardian). The Republican-dominated Florida legislature supported this decision, which has been highly opposed by abortion-rights activists. Daily Mail reports that DeSantis has banned abortion “with a photo signing the bill surrounded by” supporters.
Furthermore, according to The Guardian, DeSantis recently reached out to Florida’s Congress members to urge them to stop endorsing Trump for the 2024 nomination. DeSantis himself has teased a possible 2024 bid, stating “I have only begun to fight” during his first stop in New Hampshire (USA Today).
DeSantis’ new policies in Florida have also been causing concern, with The Guardian reporting that he plans to export his hardline immigration policies to the nation. Critics argue that DeSantis’ policies signal a demonization of immigrants, a top priority for him as governor.
DeSantis’ new book, “The Courage to Be Free,” has also caused a stir due to its leaning into the culture wars and his many opportunistic shifts towards whichever cause benefits him most (Vox). Most recently, DeSantis has been criticized for targeting the free speech protections that might save Fox News (CNN).
As Governor of Florida, Ron DeSantis’ decisions have impacted the state and the nation as a whole. His popularity has been growing among Republicans, especially those who are loyal to former President Trump. However, his hardline policies and political opportunism have also raised concerns among critics as he continues to make waves in the political world.
