fbpx
HomeFloridaDeSantis sounds national themes as he starts 2nd term

DeSantis sounds national themes as he starts 2nd term

By ANTHONY IZAGUIRRE and BRENDAN FARRINGTON

TALLAHASSEE — Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis sounded much like a 2024 presidential candidate as he was sworn in to a second term Tuesday, addressing national issues like immigration and inflation as much as highlighting his own plans for the state.

DeSantis turned to the message that helped him win reelection by a landslide and build a national image as a conservative, blasting “woke” ideology, repeatedly calling Florida a leader for freedom and setting the stage for a potential run for the White House.

“Florida’s success has been made more difficult by the floundering federal establishment in Washington D.C. Federal government has gone on an inflationary spending binge that has left our nation weaker and our citizens poorer,” DeSantis said.

He said on issues like COVID-19 restrictions, federal spending and immigration policy, Washington is driven by a political ideology that has eroded freedom and stunted commerce.

“We reject this woke ideology. We seek normalcy not philosophical lunacy. We will not allow reality, facts and truth to become optional. We will never surrender to the woke mob. Florida is where woke goes to die,” DeSantis said to loud applause.

Democratic House Leader Fentrice Driskell said DeSantis’ speech was aimed more at his future political ambitions than it was at addressing the state’s problems.

“This is probably the first Florida governor to give an inaugural speech not speaking to the people of our great state and the challenges we all face, but directed at GOP primary voters and billionaire donors,” Driskell said in a news release. “Any time he wants to distract from his own failed record, he creates a new fake ‘woke’ boogeyman to battle.”

Read More
- Advertisement -

Most Popular