Internet trolls Ron DeSantis as his super PAC loses its top strategist in latest sign of turmoil

TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA: On Saturday night, December 16, the association between Florida Governor Ron DeSantis' campaign and the leading strategist at his well-funded super PAC ended.

In a statement posted to X (formerly Twitter), Jeff Roe, the key strategist, noted, "I cannot in good conscience stay affiliated with Never Back Down given the statements in the Washington Post today. They are not true and an unwanted distraction at a critical time for Governor DeSantis."

Earlier that day, the Washington Post reported in detail on the long-standing tensions between DeSantis' campaign team and the super PAC.

Dan Eberhart, a DeSantis donor, stated, "Roe has delivered stunning victories in the past but this doesn’t seem to be his time. Governor DeSantis wants to head into the final stretch with his loyalists, not necessarily nationally known operatives with presidential campaign experience per se."

What went wrong between Ron DeSantis' campaign and the super PAC?

The events preceding the recent developments involving the super PAC ‘Never Back Down’ and its leadership have been indicative of a change in power dynamics, with individuals close to Governor DeSantis exerting more influence over the organization and dismissing several of Roe’s subordinates. 

Over the past month, 'Never Back Down' has experienced a change in leadership, with three CEOs appointed during the period. In addition, four top officials, including Roe, have resigned, and three others have been terminated, as per the Washington Post.

The ongoing chaos is believed to have been caused by the frustration of Governor DeSantis and his inner circle, who were unable to gain ground against Trump and were facing a challenge from former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley.

Some have blamed Roe and his consulting firm, Axiom Strategies, for this disappointment. This dissatisfaction led to the formation of a second super PAC, 'Fight Right', in November to handle advertising, particularly geared towards undermining Haley.

The group is reportedly headed by three of DeSantis' close associates.

The disagreements within 'Never Back Down' became public when NBC News reported that Roe and Scott Wagner, a long-time DeSantis confidant, had a heated argument while board members and senior staff were discussing budgeting.

Wagner now serves as the Chairman of 'Never Back Down'. However, neither 'Never Back Down' nor the DeSantis campaign has issued an official comment on the matter that transpired on Saturday.

Internet believes Gov Ron DeSantis’ campaign is blowing up in his face

People on X (formerly Twitter) were amused by the upheaval within Florida Governor DeSantis’ presidential campaign, with many users already predicting his exit in early 2024.

One asked, "So, he just backed down?" while another inquired, "Isn't this like the 3rd or 4th leader of it to back down?"

A person noted, "With DeSantis being exposed as a weak candidate, Democrats need to seize upon this opportunity in Florida. His image is tarnished, and that will turn Florida swing voters against him and Republicans in general. If the Dems could ever take Florida, game over for Trump."

"When is he going to leave the race?? It's long overdue," someone else quipped, with one more adding, "Pretty telling when the leader of Ron's Never Back Down themed campaign actually backed down and quit."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.