Republican Governors across the country are beginning to see the consequences of embracing former President Donald Trump's disastrous approach to the pandemic that's killed over 600 thousand Americans.
Perhaps none are feeling this heat more than Republican Governor of Florida, Ron DeSantis.
DeSantis fully reopened the state early and has been credibly accused of concealing case data from the public. DeSantis since signed legislation and doled out executive orders barring businesses from verifying vaccine status and forbidding schools from enforcing mask mandates.
Though the governor continues to dismiss the severity of the virus, it's still battering the Sunshine State.
This week alone, Florida broke its all-time pandemic record for the daily number of new cases. The state reached an all-time high for hospitalizations as well, with over 11 thousand Floridians hospitalized with the virus.
In a press conference this week, President Joe Biden called out both DeSantis and Texas Republican Governor Greg Abbott for actively prolonging the pandemic with their policies, saying:
"If some governors aren't willing to do the right thing to beat this pandemic then they should allow businesses or universities who want to do the right thing to be able to do it. I say to these governors please help, but if you aren't going to help at least get out of the way when people are trying to do the right thing. Use your power to save lives."
DeSantis didn't respond kindly to the criticism.
Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) complains that \u201cJoe Biden has taken to himself to try to single out Florida over COVID.\u201dpic.twitter.com/mntBxHkzrH— The Recount (@The Recount) 1628098881
DeSantis said:
"Joe Biden has taken to himself to try to single out Florida over COVID. This is a guy who ran for President saying he was gonna 'shut down the virus,' and what has he done? He's imported more virus from around the world by having a wide open southern border."
The Governor was repeating the popular—but completely baseless—Republican talking point that undocumented immigrants are disproportionately spreading the virus to U.S. citizens.
It wasn't long before White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki responded to DeSantis' screed, noting the skyrocketing hospitalizations in his state and imploring him to work with the administration to save lives.
23% of new COVID hospitalizations in the U.S are in Florida, and their hospitals are being overwhelmed again. \n\nWe are doing everything we can to help the people of FL, and they're stepping up by getting vaccinated \u2013 we hope @GovRonDeSantis joins us in this fight.https://twitter.com/therecount/status/1422975961235169280\u00a0\u2026— Jen Psaki (@Jen Psaki) 1628108552
Psaki's response made waves online.
We got you, @PressSec & @POTUS. \n\nFloridians are listening and getting vaccinated. We will beat this with\u2014 but most likely without \u2014Ron DeSantis.https://twitter.com/presssec/status/1423016525225725953\u00a0\u2026— Nikki Fried (@Nikki Fried) 1628110749
Thank you.\nStill a thing to appreciate, that WH statements have class.— Philipp Kurowski (@Philipp Kurowski) 1628108920
We stand with you @PressSec https://twitter.com/PressSec/status/1423016525225725953\u00a0\u2026— Firstgirl (@Firstgirl) 1628114006
This is an extremely gracious response to a known malignant entity.https://twitter.com/PressSec/status/1423016525225725953\u00a0\u2026— Anastacya (@Anastacya) 1628108701
As always, thank you Ms Psaki for your honesty & real facts.— Renee Burkett (@Renee Burkett) 1628109392
A number of Floridians are sick of the Governor's response to the crisis.
SOS from Florida! Im so tired of dodging COVID here, I\u2019m fully vaccinated but I\u2019m surrounded by irresponsible anti-maskers & anti-vaccers. My heart goes out to the hospital workers and people who are too young or compromised to vaccinate— JJensen\u2728 (@JJensen\u2728) 1628114628
@GovRonDeSantis is now putting my family in FL in jeopardy\u2026\u2026this has become a tragic threat to health and safety for ALL residents and visitors to the State. We will not forget\u2026\u2026there will be repercussions\u2026\u2026— Greg Ruwe \ud83d\udca7\ud83c\udf0a\ud83c\udfca\ud83c\udffc\u200d\u2642\ufe0f (@Greg Ruwe \ud83d\udca7\ud83c\udf0a\ud83c\udfca\ud83c\udffc\u200d\u2642\ufe0f) 1628124855
Jen, one huge problem is that DeSantis is tightly controlling the information. We get a barebones report on Friday. Even the county mayors can\u2019t find out how many cases are happening, in their own counties! How can this even be legal?— Madame deFarge (@Madame deFarge) 1628116281
Here's some news @RonDeSantisFL - Biden isn't "trying" to single Florida out, covid is out of control here, and you are responsible. No mask mandate has escalated this public health crisis, and your political posturing is costing lives.\n\n#RemoveDeSantishttps://twitter.com/PressSec/status/1423016525225725953\u00a0\u2026— Allison Marsh - She/Her - IG: Mamafoo2000 (@Allison Marsh - She/Her - IG: Mamafoo2000) 1628165577
DeSantis shows no willingness to work with the Biden administration.
