Pro-Trump super PAC files ethics complaint against potential 2024 opponent Ron DeSantis
Former President Donald Trump and his allies have stepped up their attacks on potential rival Florida Gov. DeSantis, who Trump admitted to reporters earlier this week that he would “probably” beat in the presidential primary. There are bigger challengers.
Pro-Trump super PAC MAGA Inc. A Trump source familiar with the plans tells CBS News that he is extensively reviewing DeSantis’ record as an assistant U.S. attorney, congressman and governor of Florida.
On Wednesday morning, MAGA Inc. filed a 15-page complaint with the Florida Commission on Ethics alleging that DeSantis is running a “shadow presidential campaign” that violates state and federal election law.
The Florida Commission on Ethics will not confirm or deny receipt of a complaint.
DeSantis is not yet in the 2024 presidential race, although in recent weeks, he has traveled to two early presidential primary states, Iowa and Nevada, to promote his new book and his “Freedom Blueprint.” He will also headline a Republican dinner in New Hampshire in April.
In several private conversations with donors and allies, DeSantis has indicated he’s leaning toward a run and, according to two people familiar with his team’s private conversations, he won’t make an offer after the legislative session ends. Will make the final decision.
Make America Great Again PAC chair Taylor Budovich wrote in the complaint that DeSantis’ book tour and ongoing fundraising by the allied “Friends of Ron DeSantis” state committee are illegal and serve “his personal political goals.” does. “The two activities are intended to further their personal financial gain at the expense of Florida taxpayers, and are intended to influence his official decision to resign from office,” Bodovich continued.
In a statement, DeSantis communications director Taryn Fenske said she would add the complaint to “a list of frivolous and politically motivated attacks” and responded that “using state ethics complaints for partisan purposes Inappropriate.”
The complaint cites a number of groups affiliated with or supporting the DeSantis, including the newly formed “Never Back Down” super PAC, led by the Trump-era Department of Homeland Security. Ex-official Ken Cuccinelli is doing it.
In response to the complaint, Cuccinelli sneered at Trump campaign staffers, writing, “The overwhelming response we’ve gotten to DeSantis’ grassroots efforts to build has been interesting — and I’m sure intimidating. Ho.”
“Desantis leads the fight against the Woke Left, but Trump wants him out of office because DeSantis’ book trumps Trump’s,” Cuccinelli added. “In the words of President Trump: SAD!”