WASHINGTON (Transatlantic Today) – Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said that one of his biggest disappointments as governor was not speaking publicly “much louder” in March 2020, after former President Donald Trump recommended Americans to stay at home to stem the spread of the coronavirus.
DeSantis, a strong Trump ally, stated he was engaged in the early stages of the White House’s pandemic preparation and had been giving the President guidance. However, he was taken aback when Trump took the decision that caused most of the US economy to shut down.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, according to DeSantis, advised Trump to contemplate a shutdown. Vice President Mike Pence chaired a coronavirus taskforce that included several public health specialists, including Fauci, the nations top infectious disease specialist. But it was Trump’s decision, and DeSantis eventually followed it, shutting Florida schools, government facilities, gyms, clubs, and restaurant dining rooms, and recommending Floridians to stay at home.
This isn’t the first occasion DeSantis has questioned the Trump administration’s efforts to contain the virus’ spread. DeSantis questioned if barring airlines from China, the location of the first outbreak, was successful in November, according to CNN.
The Chinese travel restriction was one of Trump’s defining decisions in his pandemic reaction, and he maintained it in place until the remainder of his presidency.
DeSantis’ remark comes after rumors that Trump has frequently moaned about his former protege’s lack of loyalty. Trump has voiced frustration with DeSantis, one of the Republicans most talked-about figures, for refusing to openly rule out a 2024 presidential candidacy if Trump pursues another four-year term, according to conversations with associates previously reported by CNN.
However, in a statement released Tuesday night, Trump seemed to criticize DeSantis, only days before his podcast participation. Politicians who refuse to reveal if they took a coronavirus booster vaccination are labeled by Trump as “gutless.” The remark was interpreted as a poorly disguised dig at DeSantis, who in a widely publicized December conversation with Fox News personality Maria Bartiromo refused to reveal his vaccination status.
