
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis vows to veto the TRUMP Act, calling it a betrayal of conservative values on immigration.
Quick Takes
- DeSantis promises to veto the TRUMP Act, criticizing it as “weak” on immigration
- The governor accuses fellow Republicans of being “RINOs” and undermining Trump’s agenda
- DeSantis argues the bill weakens immigration enforcement and could allow non-citizens to vote
- The situation marks a power struggle between DeSantis and new Republican legislative leaders
- DeSantis claims overwhelming public opposition to the legislature’s actions
DeSantis Takes Stand Against TRUMP Act
In a bold move that has sent shockwaves through Florida’s political landscape, Governor Ron DeSantis has promised to veto the Tackling and Reforming Unlawful Migration Policy (TRUMP) Act. The bill, passed by the state legislature after input from former President Donald Trump, has become a flashpoint in the ongoing debate over immigration policy in the Sunshine State.
DeSantis, known for his hardline stance on immigration, has criticized the bill as “weaksauce” and insufficient to address the state’s immigration challenges. The governor’s opposition to a bill bearing Trump’s name has raised eyebrows, given his previous alignment with the former president’s policies.
Attention, my fellow Floridians! I’m calling out the RINOs leading a deceitful switch-and-bait effort trying to make FL soft on illegal immigration:@WiltonSimpson@JoeGruters@RAlexAndradeFL@FLSenateGOP@Daniel_PerezFL@VoteRandyFine@RepMcClure@Sen_Albritton @JuanPorrasFL…
— Reese🇺🇸🐊 (@reeseonable) January 29, 2025
RINOs in the Ranks?
DeSantis has not minced words in his criticism of fellow Republicans who support the TRUMP Act. He has accused them of being “Republicans In Name Only” (RINOs) and betraying conservative principles on immigration. The governor argues that the bill, despite its name, actually undermines Trump’s immigration agenda.
The governor’s stance has put him at odds with new Republican legislative leaders, including House Speaker Daniel Perez and Senate President Ben Albritton. This power struggle comes as DeSantis approaches the end of his term, potentially complicating his political future.
Controversial Provisions of the TRUMP Act
The TRUMP Act contains several provisions that DeSantis finds objectionable. These include allocating over $500 million for local immigration enforcement, increasing penalties for unauthorized immigrants, and creating a new state office for enforcement coordination. However, DeSantis argues these measures don’t go far enough.
“We don’t have time for weakness. We don’t have time for half-baked measures. We’ve got to be strong. We’ve got to lead the way when it comes to immigration enforcement,” DeSantis declared.
One of the most contentious aspects of the bill is a provision that would allow non-citizens to register to vote in Florida without signing an affidavit. DeSantis claims this violates the state constitution and could lead to voter fraud.
Public Opposition and Political Fallout
DeSantis claims there is significant opposition from constituents, with a reported 99 to 1 ratio against the legislature’s actions. This overwhelming public sentiment, if accurate, could put pressure on lawmakers to reconsider their support for the bill.
The governor has announced plans to ask lawmakers to reconsider the bill after allowing for public protest. However, it remains to be seen whether the legislature will have enough votes to override DeSantis’s promised veto, particularly in the Senate.
As this political drama unfolds, Florida’s approach to immigration enforcement hangs in the balance. The outcome of this clash between DeSantis and the legislature could have far-reaching implications for the state’s immigration policy and the future of the Republican Party in Florida.
Sources:
- DeSantis Says He Will Veto Immigration Bill in Clash With Lawmakers
- Florida Gov. DeSantis promises to veto TRUMP Act