Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis recently unleashed a scathing attack on the backbone of the Republican Party: MAGA supporters in Congress. His denunciation of conservative principles and loyalty to President Trump has shocked many of his constituents and fellow Republicans alike.
DeSantis is "over the target" 🎯#MAGACult #ListlessVessels #MAGAMeltdown pic.twitter.com/Jm42dHPXQE
— New 🇺🇸 Sons of 🗽 Liberty (@NSOL_USA) August 20, 2023
DeSantis slammed the movement for being “listless vessels” who blindly follow Trump’s lead rather than sticking to their conservative values. These remarks were particularly controversial because DeSantis was initially seen as a staunch Trump supporter and even touted as his protégé. However, since then, he has been slipping in the polls, with even former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and Vivek Ramaswamy outranking him.
https://t.co/ehBwZMMc4Z pic.twitter.com/ehBsJOTlfC
— MAGA War Room (@MAGAIncWarRoom) August 19, 2023
DeSantis’ statements have been met with widespread outrage from conservatives who see Trump as the face of their movement. They believe that Trump represents the true voice of America and has brought the Republican Party back to its conservative roots. Many of his supporters have even labeled DeSantis a “RINO,” or Republican in Name Only, for his perceived disloyalty to their leader.
The governor’s comments are especially damaging considering that the Republican Party is still reeling from the 2020 election. Many in the party are still convinced that the election was stolen from Trump, and the former president remains a hugely divisive figure. That being said, many believe that his endorsement could be the key to any Republican victory in 2024.
This marks a significant turning point for DeSantis, who once rode Trump’s coattails to political success. His recent criticisms of the Trump regime have earned him a spot on the Republican Party’s blacklist. His comments have even prompted a demand for an apology from the Trump campaign.
https://t.co/uSvn0D4O8U pic.twitter.com/a0Er2GNNNi
— MAGA War Room (@MAGAIncWarRoom) August 20, 2023
In the end, it remains to be seen whether DeSantis will regret his criticisms of MAGA supporters. His words have struck a chord in the conservative movement, and it may be difficult for him to recover from the backlash. As the Republican Party struggles to unify behind a single message, DeSantis’ comments have highlighted the deep divisions within the party and underscored the need for a united front if they hope to defeat the Democrats in 2024.
