Ron DeSantis blasted over 'Freedom Fund' targeting Democrats' ballot initiatives on marijuana and abortion

DeSantis launched the 'Freedom Fund' to block Democrat-led ballot initiatives to amend strict abortion access and marijuana legalization
PUBLISHED JUN 11, 2024
Florida Gov Ron DeSantis launched a new political committee in the state to prevent abortion and marijuana amendments (Getty Images)
Florida Gov Ron DeSantis launched a new political committee in the state to prevent abortion and marijuana amendments (Getty Images)

TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA: Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has launched a new political action committee, named 'Florida Freedom Fund,' which aims to block Democrat-led ballot initiatives on abortion and marijuana.

The 'Florida Freedom Fund' was quietly launched in May with the Republican's chief of staff, James Uthmeier, as the chair.

The committee reportedly aims to target amendments on abortion access and marijuana legalization in the Sunshine State, which the Democrats believed would make them relevant in Florida, according to Politico.

Ron DeSantis's primary goal for 2024 election is to defeat abortion and marijuana amendments

With the Freedom Fund, DeSantis seeks to reaffirm his control over Florida after his failed presidential bid by targetting the failure of amendments on abortion and marijuana as the primary goal for the upcoming election.

An insider familiar with the governor's plans revealed the committee would also be a part of school board races.

James Uthmeier Chief of Staff to Governor Ron DeSantis (James Uthmeier/LinkedIn)
James Uthmeier, Gov Ron DeSantis' chief of staff, is the chair of 'Florida Freedom Fund' (James Uthmeier/LinkedIn)

"As Gov Ron DeSantis continues to lead our great state, the Florida Freedom Fund will be championing issues and candidates committed to preserving Floridians' freedom," said DeSantis' spokesperson Taryn Fensk. "From up and down-ballot races to critical amendments, we're steadfast in our mission to keep Florida free."

The governor had opposed ballot initiatives to amend strict abortion access and legalization of marijuana as "radical" and "extreme," forecasting Floridians would reject them in November.

However, a recent poll by Fox News indicated 69% of voters supported abortion access amendment and 66% backed legalizing recreational marijuana.

CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA - AUGUST 06: Republican presidential candidate Florida Governor Ron DeSantis Speaks to guests at Ashley's BBQ Bash hosted by Congresswoman Ashley Hinson (R-IA) on August 06, 2023 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Seven of the 14 GOP candidates seeking the party's nomination for president were scheduled to speak at the event. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)
The new political committee is part of Gov Ron DeSantis' attempt to reassert control in Florida after his failed White House race (Scott Olson/Getty Images)

The organization Smart & Safe Florida, with the support of the largest medical marijuana company in Florida, has sponsored the initiative to legalize pot in the state.

Before launching his presidential bid, DeSantis had enacted a law banning abortion after six weeks of pregnancy. However, the law took effect only this May due to a legal battle in the state Supreme Court.

If passed, the abortion access amendment would ease the restrictions on the procedure, guaranteeing it up to the point of viability, usually around 24 weeks.

Internet slams Ron DeSantis for launching 'Freedom Fund'

Netizens, who could not find what freedom DeSantis' new political committee guaranteed, slammed the governor, accusing him of stripping the existing liberties.

A user said, "Well, this should finish off his political career…" Another remarked, "How is this “Freedom”?!?! GOP is so backwards… In this country we respect a persons freedom of choice. DeSantis can choose a shark or a battery while his ship sinks…"

"Every time he says 'freedom', someone is being oppressed," an individual chimed in.



 



 



 

"Every freedom except the freedom to indulge in pot or keep your choice in health care. Such hypocrisy," commented a fourth user.

A fifth response read, "How perfectly DeSantis… using his self named 'Freedom Fund' to bankroll his attempt to strip us of even more freedoms…"

Another person echoed a similar opinion, writing, "Some Republican leaders have shed their sense of irony along with any worries about hypocrisy."



 



 



 

One user commented on Facebook, "Because nothing says freedom quite like book banning, dictating government control over women's bodies and reproductive health care, and supporting the guy and his rabid supporters who tried a violent coup to overthrow a free and fair election fair election. meatball Ron is a treasonous jackass."

"He has zero interest in freedom or liberty. I can think of no one in my lifetime that personifies the following more than he does. Governor Big Brother," claimed someone else.

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.

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