DeSantis Takes Aim at Trump Amid Indictment Hopes
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) took subtle swipes at potential 2024 rival Donald Trump on Monday, criticizing Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg (D) for pursuing a "political agenda" over Trump's alleged hush-money payments to adult-film actress Stormy Daniels. DeSantis also accused Bragg of having ties to billionaire philanthropist George Soros, a frequent target of right-wing accusations rooted in antisemitism. The governor's remarks came after Trump hinted at a possible indictment in New York, prompting DeSantis to distance himself from the matter.
Key Takeaways:
- DeSantis criticized Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg (D) for pursuing a "political agenda" in investigating Trump's alleged hush-money payments to adult-film actress Stormy Daniels.
- DeSantis accused Bragg of having ties to billionaire philanthropist George Soros, a frequent target of right-wing accusations rooted in antisemitism.
- Trump hinted at a possible indictment in New York, prompting DeSantis to distance himself from the matter and declare that Florida would not get involved.
- DeSantis took subtle shots at Trump while refraining from direct criticism, highlighting their formerly friendly relationship and DeSantis's loyalty to Trump's agenda.
- DeSantis has been quietly building a rivalry with Trump, who has called him disloyal and a "Republican in Name Only" looking to associate him with establishment GOP figures.
Statistics:
- 20-point margin by which DeSantis won reelection in Florida last November
- 2020: the year Bragg was elected district attorney in New York
- 2018: the year DeSantis was endorsed by Trump in the gubernatorial race
- $20 million: the amount George Soros has donated to liberal campaigns and causes
Sources:
- The Los Angeles Times, November 2022
- USA Today, November 2022
- The New York Times, November 2022
- The Washington Post, Lori Rozsa, West Palm Beach, FL
- Fox News, Ron DeSantis, author, Florida governor
- Trump's social media platform