On Thursday, Florida Governor and former 2024 Republican presidential candidate Ron DeSantis defended his wife, Casey DeSantis, against recent allegations at a press conference, emphasizing that the accusations are “baseless” and part of an organized attack against his wife.
“Some leftist reporters don’t like it when you work with religious groups. They see it as an attack on the First Lady and all the great things she has done, viewing her as a threat,” he said.
The allegations involve the “Hope Florida Initiative” led by Casey DeSantis, with the “Hope Florida Foundation” being accused of irregularities.
The controversy revolves around a $10 million grant received by the foundation.
Critics claim that this funding was part of a settlement agreement reached by Centene, the largest Medicaid contractor in Florida. They point out that the funds, which were supposed to be returned to the state and federal government as per the settlement agreement, were diverted to the Florida Hope Foundation and used inappropriately to oppose a referendum in November last year aimed at legalizing recreational marijuana in Florida.
On Tuesday, Florida media obtained a draft of the settlement agreement, indicating that $10 million was transferred to charitable organizations associated with Casey DeSantis, ultimately flowing to two nonprofit organizations involved in opposing the referendum proposal.
During a press conference on Wednesday, Governor DeSantis dismissed the report as “fabrication,” citing a letter from the Florida Department of Health to State Representative Alex Andrade, stating that the funds were not Medicaid assistance funds and the donation was not illegal.
Ron DeSantis told reporters, “They’re trying to create a baseless narrative. Why are they doing this? Because they want to smear our ‘Hope Florida Initiative.’ It’s purely a political maneuver.”
Before entering politics with her husband, Casey DeSantis worked as a producer and host for the PGA Tour in Florida, and later as a news anchor and reporter for two television stations in the state.
During her tenure as the First Lady of Florida, Casey DeSantis has championed various initiatives, including launching the Florida Cancer Treatment Plan. Many political observers note that her charm and media savvy have greatly benefited the election campaigns.
Despite the unsuccessful presidential campaign in 2024, Casey DeSantis continues to enhance her personal influence while her husband is in office.
In 2021, she initiated the “Hope Florida – A Pathway to Prosperity” program. According to data from the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs, the program has helped over 30,000 Florida residents reduce or eliminate their dependence on public assistance.
Speculation suggests that she may announce her candidacy for governor to succeed her husband, who is set to step down.
Casey DeSantis played a pivotal role in her husband’s 2024 presidential campaign and has been a prominent figure in Florida and nationally. Early polls indicate she could be a strong contender against Republican Congressman Byron Donalds in the gubernatorial primary.
A Mason-Dixon Polling & Strategy poll released in March showed Casey DeSantis with a 53% approval rate, slightly higher than Donalds’ 48%.
Another poll by Republican polling firm Fabrizio Lee and Associates in March indicated that 34% of likely Republican primary voters leaned toward supporting Donalds for the position, while 30% leaned toward supporting the First Lady of Florida.
A Florida Republican said, “Her signature achievements are under attack and accused of corruption. If she decides to run, it will be a sign of things to come and certainly will make her think twice.” Others are unsure if the reports surrounding “Hope Florida” will affect the couple’s future political plans.
A Republican strategist stated, “Anyone who thinks such attacks will deter the DeSantis couple from running either has never met them or hasn’t interacted with them in a political environment.”
Donalds announced his candidacy in March and quickly garnered the endorsement of former President Trump, but Casey DeSantis still has time to make a final decision.
The Republican primary for the Florida governor’s election is set for August 2026.
(Information referenced from reports by “The Hill”)