As the GOP presidential race continues to heat up, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is quickly finding himself in hot water. DeSantis, who has previously faced criticism from some members of his own party for a diverse range of issues, is once again facing controversies that could derail his chance at the White House.
For starters, DeSantis has continued to support former President Donald Trump’s false claims of a rigged election in 2020. By aligning himself with these false and dangerous claims, DeSantis has not only cast a dark cloud over his own credibility, but has also further tested the already fragile unity within the Republican Party.
Furthermore, DeSantis’ handling of the COVID-19 crisis in his state has been heavily scrutinized. Although he has praised his own administration’s response in the past, his contradictory decisions have caused frustration from those who feel he has failed to adequately protect Floridians from the virus. DeSantis has also faced criticism for his response to protests over George Floyd’s death, which many felt was too forceful.
Finally, DeSantis’ refusal to condemn state-level Republican efforts to restrict voting rights nationally has only added fuel to the fire of frustration and distrust among his own party. As the main opposition to President Joe Biden, these efforts have defeated the core Republican goal of restoring trust in the electoral system.
Overall, DeSantis’ recent struggles in the presidential race may be the beginning of the end for the Florida governor. Judging by the current state of his candidacy and his increasingly tarnished reputation, DeSantis’ chance of ultimately winning the nomination are growing slim. As such, the future of his candidacy continues to be uncertain.