As President Donald Trump revives his campaign rallies and travels around the country, the United States is seeing nationwide spikes in new cases of the virus, with Thursday breaking the record for highest new cases in a single day.
One of the states bearing the brunt of those spikes is Florida, where new cases soared by 5,500 on Wednesday, obliterating its previous single day record by over 1500 cases. The spike came around three weeks after Florida's Republican Governor, Ron DeSantis, cleared Florida for phase two of its reopening, which revived bars, movie theaters and other entertainment.
Now, DeSantis is facing backlash for comments he made a month ago in which he bragged about the state's success at combatting the virus.
In the appearance with Vice President Mike Pence, DeSantis accused Democrats of sowing fear and refusing to acknowledge Florida's success.
Watch below.
Gov. Ron DeSantis goes off on Florida doubters: "We've succeeded, and I think that people just don't want to recognize it." pic.twitter.com/FBi6F0saCo
— The Recount (@therecount) May 20, 2020
DeSantis said:
"So, we've succeeded. And I think that people just don't want to recognize it because it challenges their narrative. It challenges their assumption so they got to try to find a bogeyman."
Sadly, that bogeyman is anything but imaginary.
Now, DeSantis is facing criticism for declaring victory before the fight was over.
It was the most predictable thing in the world that that would come back to bite him. Might as well have hung a "Mission Accomplished" banner behind him.
— Timothy Sullivan (@SpiritofKahless) June 25, 2020
He was going off. I am glad it was captured on tape because he looks unhinged and so sure of himself, as our numbers now skyrocket.
— SerenityNow! - Social Distancing Expert (@WuWei2019) June 25, 2020
Good. These guys need to be shamed out of office. They're reliance on Trump for political favor rather than consulting and heeding expert advice should be criminal and cost them their jobs. These are people's lives and livelihoods they're messing with.
— CountryOverConman (@TrumpNewsPolls) June 25, 2020
As a Floridian I call for the resignation of DuhSantis
— Save our Nation (@BershodM) June 25, 2020
The grim distinction is unwelcome to say the least.
We ARE indeed the new epicenter for covid! DeSantis will NOT close the state down and will continue to open with Disney World opening soon! Please stay safe and wear a mask if you must go out! #DeSantisFailedFlorida
— Pitbull4me (@Pitbull4me2) June 24, 2020
Florida needs a complete shutdown until we can figure out what the hell is going on.
— Marc Murphy (@mnnurse10) June 24, 2020
This is devastating, and the rational people in FL (majority) who believe in science must be terrified and frustrated. Glad to live in DC where the "state" gov't. believes in science. Americans should have equal access to public safety.
— Megan 4 Blue Senate & DC Vote 2020 (@MegLavDC) June 24, 2020
More cases in Florida than all of Canada. Nice job Gov.
— Dave Park 🇨🇦 (@DaveP32250) June 24, 2020
The state will soon welcome untold numbers of Republicans for the national convention.
@therealjeffreyross/Instagram
@therealjeffreyross/Instagram
@therealjeffreyross/Instagram
@therealjeffreyross/Instagram
@therealjeffreyross/Instagram
@therealjeffreyross/Instagram
@therealjeffreyross/Instagram
@therealjeffreyross/Instagram
@therealjeffreyross/Instagram
@therealjeffreyross/Instagram
@therealjeffreyross/Instagram
@mikeredmond/Bluesky
@realDonaldTrump/Truth Social