According to Mediate, former President Donald Trump has taken aim at Florida Governor and fellow GOP presidential candidate Ron DeSantis as Hurricane Idalia approaches the Sunshine State. Instead of focusing solely on the hurricane response, Trump has chosen to use the situation for political advantage.
Trump’s criticism of DeSantis centers around his alleged mishandling of the state’s response to the impending hurricane. In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump accused DeSantis of approving a significant 20% increase in Florida’s electricity rates, which he claims is the largest increase in history. Trump linked this decision to a $9.5 million campaign contribution from Florida Power and Light, suggesting a questionable connection between the rate hike and the campaign donation. He also raised concerns about DeSantis’s decisions regarding the insurance industry.
“So now it is learned that Governor Ron DeSanctimonious unnecessarily approved a 20% hike in Florida Electricity Rates, the largest in history (by far!), after taking a 9.5 Million Dollar Campaign Contribution from “money machine” Florida Power and Light, and subsidiaries,” began Trump on Truth Social Thursday morning. “Next up to check out is the Insurance Industry, where DeSanctus gave up the store. His campaign and poll numbers have ‘CRASHED’ to a point where it doesn’t much matter anymore, but what a shame for Florida!”
Trump’s attacks on DeSantis come at a time when DeSantis is focused on hurricane preparedness and response, rather than political campaigning. In response to questions about Trump’s silence on Hurricane Idalia, DeSantis expressed that his priority is the safety and well-being of the people of Florida. He emphasized that his focus is on protecting the state’s residents and ensuring they are ready to face the natural disaster.
Interestingly, while Trump has criticized DeSantis, his potential general election opponent, President Joe Biden, has praised DeSantis’s handling of the situation. Biden commended DeSantis for his commitment to supporting the needs of the people affected by the hurricane, putting aside political considerations to prioritize the safety of Floridians.
DeSantis echoed a similar sentiment, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing the needs of those impacted by the hurricane over short-term political gains. He emphasized the seriousness of the situation and the responsibility to protect people’s lives.
