Governor Ron DeSantis (R-FL) refused to be shaken by former President Trump’s weekend outbursts, in which he tried to paint the governor as pro-lockdown during the early days of the COVID pandemic. Despite being called a “globalist” and a “Ron DeSanctimonius”, DeSantis stood strong in the face of criticism, not showing any signs that it affected him. The Governor discussed his success as a Republican and whether or not he plans to mount a 2024 presidential bid.
After enduring an onslaught of attacks from all directions, Governor Ron DeSantis (R-FL) has had to make tough decisions in response to the COVID pandemic. However, he has remained steadfast in his positivity and optimism despite criticism. DeSantis’ decision to reopen schools and businesses long before other major states drew attention for its audacity, and he has been a vocal opponent of mask and vaccine mandates as well. “In a crisis situation like COVID,” said DeSantis, “the good thing about it is when you’re an elected executive, you have to make all kinds of decisions, you’ve got to steer that ship.”
DESANTIS RESPONDS TO TRUMP ATTACKS: "I roll out of bed, I have people attacking me from all angles […] In my case, not only did we win re-election, we won with the highest percentage of the vote than any Republican governor candidate in the history of the state of Florida." pic.twitter.com/FLEXeVPlRn
— Florida’s Voice (@FLVoiceNews) January 31, 2023
Former President Donald Trump has thrown his name in the hat for a possible 2024 run, but Governor Ron DeSantis (R-FL) is reportedly considering a primary challenge after an impressive re-election victory of nearly 20 percentage points. On Tuesday, DeSantis pointed to this result as proof of his successful management during the COVID pandemic.
According to a report from the Washington Post, former President Donald Trump was vocal in his admiration of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ handling of the pandemic. “He did a fantastic job,” said Trump in 2020. He later added: “We had surges, and they went up and they went down, and now you’re at your lowest numbers. And you’re open and you didn’t close, and you’re just amazing — right, this guy?”
