Florida Governor Ron DeSantis stirred controversy among former President Donald Trump’s supporters by suggesting they were “listless vessels.”
What Happened: In an interview with The Florida Standard last week, DeSantis criticized Trump’s supporters for prioritizing personality over conservative principles.
“If all we are is listless vessels that are just supposed to follow, you know, whatever happens to come down the pike on Truth Social every morning, that’s not going to be a durable movement,” DeSantis said.
When asked about accusations that he is a “Republican in name only,” DeSantis fired.
“We have a strain in our party that views supporting Trump as whether you are a RINO or not. And so you could be the most conservative person since sliced bread [and] unless you’re kissing his rear end, they will somehow call you a RINO,” DeSantis said. “So it’s been totally detached from principle in what you actually believe and results. And it’s more about, you know, just what faction you happen to do.”
“Ultimately, a movement can’t be about the personality of one individual,” DeSantis added. “The movement has got to be about what you are trying to achieve on behalf of the American people.”
Following DeSantis’ interview, the Make America Great Again PAC sent out an email drawing a comparison between DeSantis and Hillary Clinton and urging the Florida governor to issue an apology, according to Mediaite.
Trump supporters also went on X and objected to DeSantis’ comments.
Looks like Ron DeSanctimonious just had his “Basket of Deplorables” moment.
Not good!
“Ron DeSantis rips Donald Trump supporters as ‘listless vessels’” https://t.co/Tux95LDNBN
— Jason Miller (@JasonMillerinDC) August 19, 2023
DeSantis goes full-blown Hillary and call MAGA supporters “Listless Vessels.” https://t.co/tjeiCIb4NI
— Steven Cheung (@TheStevenCheung) August 19, 2023
In response, DeSantis’ spokesperson said that the governor’s comments were misinterpreted. On Saturday, Bryan Griffin posted on X saying DeSantis believes the public’s trust should be earned and that the governor has a vision and plan to beat Joe Biden.
The dishonest media refuses to report the facts—Donald Trump and some congressional endorsers are “listless vessels.” Why? Because Trump and DC insiders feel he is entitled to your vote. @RonDeSantis believes your trust should be earned and has the vision, and plan…
— Bryan Griffin (@BryanDGriffin) August 19, 2023
Produced in association with Benzinga
