Politics
‘You See Falls in Politics — But Not Like This’: DeSantis’ Political Star Collapses Amid Charity Funding Scandal
By Jake Beardslee · May 8, 2025
DeSantis Faces Republican Backlash
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, once considered a leading Republican alternative to President Donald Trump, is navigating a period of intensified political scrutiny and waning influence within his party. Gage Skidmore / Wikimedia
Landslide 2022 Victory Once Positioned DeSantis as GOP Frontrunner
DeSantis, who won re-election in 2022 by a decisive 20-point margin over Democratic challenger Charlie Crist, was widely viewed as a potential frontrunner for the 2024 GOP presidential nomination. Gage Skidmore / Wikimedia
Early Polling Surge Fizzled in Face of Trump’s Dominance
At one point, DeSantis led Trump in national polling. However, his campaign ultimately failed to gain traction, and his political momentum has since slowed. Government of Florida / Wikimedia
Analysts Cite DeSantis’ Combative Style as a Liability
According to Axios, some political analysts believe DeSantis’ confrontational style has contributed to a growing sense of isolation within the Florida Capitol, where he now faces resistance from within his own party. Gregg Pachkowski/Pensacola News Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
GOP Strategist: “You See Falls in Politics, But Not Like This”
“Be careful how you treat people on the way up because you may encounter the same people on the way down,” said Curt Anderson, a veteran Republican strategist and former adviser to Governor Rick Scott, Axios reported. “You see falls in politics, but not like this. It's stark. It's fast.” @RonDeSantis / X
Scrutiny Mounts Over Charity Linked to Casey DeSantis
In recent weeks, attention has turned to Hope Florida, a state-affiliated charity initiative overseen by DeSantis’ wife, Casey DeSantis. The charity reportedly received $10 million from a Medicaid provider as part of a confidential settlement. Shortly afterward, that same amount was donated to two political organizations aligned with the governor. Government of Florida / Wikimedia
Lawmakers Question Legality of Medicaid-Tied Donations
Some House Republicans in Florida, along with outside observers, have raised concerns about whether the transfer constitutes an improper use of Medicaid funds. John Guccione www.advergroup.com / Pexels
GOP Lawmakers Allege Misuse of Medicaid Funds
During a recent Florida House Health Care Subcommittee hearing, Republican lawmakers raised concerns over the legality of a financial transaction involving state Medicaid funds. Rep. Alex Andrade stated, “There’s no question that these were Medicaid funds, steered by the Governor’s chief of staff through secret and clandestine actions to his own political committee.” Tony Giberson/tgiberson@pnj.com / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Administration Pushes Forward as Final Term Winds Down
The developments come as the DeSantis administration seeks to maintain its agenda while preparing for the end of his final term. Gage Skidmore / Wikimedia
Casey DeSantis’ Political Future Now in Doubt
Casey DeSantis had been mentioned as a possible contender for governor, though the charity controversy may complicate those discussions. Gage Skidmore / Wikimedia