Internet backs Ron DeSantis veto threat for Florida bill to allocate $5M funds for Trump's legal bills
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA: Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, on Monday, January 22, threatened to veto a proposed bill that seeks to allocate up to $5 million in taxpayer money to former President Donald Trump for covering his substantial legal expenses, reported New York Post.
A day after he suspended his presidential campaign and endorsed Trump, DeSantis shared his decision on X along with a Politico news report.
Issuing a stern warning against the legislation pushed forward by some Florida Republicans, he wrote, "But not the Florida Republican who wields the veto pen…"
But not the Florida Republican who wields the veto pen… https://t.co/kkc2yyqVK0
— Ron DeSantis (@RonDeSantis) January 23, 2024
Trump, who is also from Florida, has been caught up in a myriad of legal battles with 91 criminal charges over four indictments. This includes his alleged involvement in the January 6 Capitol attack, attempts to overturn the 2020 election results, a hush-money case, and mishandling of classified documents.
Despite endorsing the former president, DeSantis is "highly unlikey" to be a part of Trump's potential second administration.
What was the bill about?
Earlier this month, State GOP Senator Ileana Garcia introduced a bill titled 'Florida Freedom Fighters Fund,' which proposes allocating state funds to cover legal fees resulting from criminal charges brought by a "US public entity" against "qualified persons" who have been subjected to "political discrimination."
Though Trump's name was not on the bill text, he met the criteria to qualify for the money.
An individual must meet “presidential eligibility requirements” and be a resident of Florida to receive the fund - both of which are met by Trump.
Garcia, in a statement, claimed that the Left-wing prosecutors, the Biden administration, and the Blue States were trying to steal the election.
"They’re not trying to win at the ballot box; they’re trying to keep President Trump off the ballot by weaponizing the courts. Having a Floridian in the White House is good for our state – and anything we can do to support Florida Presidential candidates, like President Trump, will not only benefit our state, but our nation," the Florida Senator argued.
Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis, a Republican, also backed the Bill, saying Trump is a "Florida man."
However, following DeSantis's veto threat, Garcia withdrew the bill on Monday, January 22, writing on X, "He [DeSantis] can handle himself."
This bill was filed on January 5th amidst a crowded primary, including two Florida residents.
— Ileana Garcia (@IleanaGarciaUSA) January 23, 2024
My concern was the political weaponization against conservative candidates, and while @JimmyPatronis brought me this bill at a time when all candidates were committing to campaign… https://t.co/wieqYQ8Woq
Internet appreciates Ron DeSantis
DeSantis's decision to veto the bill drew immense support and praise from netizens who labeled the move "fantastic."
One user said, "As he should. That is utterly ridiculous."
Another user opined, "As he should unless Trump is somehow indigent. Can’t believe people are upset by this. Common sense."
As he should unless Trump is somehow indigent. Can’t believe people are upset by this. Common sense.
— John (@jgoose514) January 23, 2024
"Good. Trump should have to pay his own legal bills," a third response read. While a fourth user added, "Ironic after he burned the entire GOP warchest on a state he barely beat Haley in."
Good. Trump should have to pay his own legal bills.
— Dr. Robert Lino Ph.D. (@DrRobLinoPhD) January 23, 2024
Ironic after he burned the entire GOP warchest on a state he barely beat Haley in.
— EV_Trapper (@EV_Trapper) January 23, 2024
One user wrote, "There is no way that tax papers should be footing Trump's legal bills."
There is no way that tax papers should be footing Trump's legal bills.
— Jacob (@Jacobkckingpin) January 23, 2024
As one user praised DeSantis's decision, calling it "Fantastic!" some other users shared memes applauding him.
https://t.co/cySShaS5be pic.twitter.com/h7y7k8oL32
— 💋🇺🇸 Country Over Party🇺🇸🇮🇱🇺🇦 (@gagirlpolitics) January 23, 2024
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.