Ron and Casey DeSantis were on top of their game in the political world, but often, things can change quickly. The family that once saw itself as building a political dynasty is now knee-deep in a scandal. Just one year after Ron DeSantis ran a failed campaign for president, they can no longer claim to be the face of the Republican Party. In Florida, their futures are now doubtful as well.
Casey DeSantis Eyeing Husband’s Seat
The DeSantises once had the Republican party of the Sunshine State in their corner, and Casey DeSantis was eyeing a potential run to succeed her husband. The DeSantis family had big plans, but a funding scandal involving Casey’s state assistance program, Hope Florida, has cast a dark shadow over the family. Florida lawmakers have spent the last month investigating how $10 million from a state Medicaid settlement connected to Hope Florida.
Money Flow Looks Illegal
Once the funding was deposited into the Hope Florida fund, it was then transferred to two groups that had financially backed DeSantis’ campaign against legalizing recreational marijuana. Lawmakers in the Sunshine State have suggested that the flow of money was illegal, reports CNN.
Ron and Casey DeSantis say they did nothing wrong. Early this week, they called the criticism “all political.” On Thursday, Casey DeSantis stood beside her husband and called the program a “philosophy” that proves “they can help people in need.” The investigation into Hope, surprisingly, is being headed by Republicans, another sign that DeSantis may be aboard a sinking ship.
The DeSantis’ Become Isolated
As the investigation goes on, Ron and Casey DeSantis have become increasingly isolated. Former allies are distancing themselves from the family and the scandal. Those who haven’t yet abandoned them believe that Casey DeSantis should wait until the scandal has been resolved before announcing a political bid.
While they plot how to fight the growing scandal, they are also working to keep Trump’s involvement in Florida to the bare minimum. Casey DeSantis played a round of golf with Trump this week, and Ron was seen playing golf with Trump’s son, Eric.
Hope Florida was launched in 2021 with the intent to wean people off public assistance. During Ron DeSantis‘ failed presidential run in 2023, they pushed the campaign as an idea for other states as well. In the foundation’s first year, it raised $800,000 and only distributed $40,000 according to a released tax return.
Foundation Sees $10 Million Boom
In 2024, the foundation boomed by $10 million, and few people were aware; however, a Florida House committee probe discovered the source of the funds. The money came from a state settlement with Centene, a Medicaid contractor, which had overbilled several states, including Florida. The agreement with Centene included a peculiar agreement to donate $10 million to Hope Florida Foundation.
Only days after Hope received the funds, two $5 million grants were sent to two political groups. The two organizations then transferred $8.5 million to Keep Florida Clean. James Uthmeier, for Keep Florida Clean at the time, was the governor’s chief of staff. Uthmeier has denied doing anything wrong.
Investigation Is Ongoing
After the election, Keep Florida Clean sent $1.2 million to the Florida Freedom Fund, which is a political committee controlled by Ron DeSantis. Reportedly, the funds are slated to be used for Casey DeSantis’ political ambitions.
DeSantis said at a recent appearance that the $10 million was completely separate from the state settlement. Ron DeSantis called it the “cherry on top.” A spokesperson for the governor, Bryan Griffin, recently said that neither Ron nor Casey DeSantis played any role in the Hope Florida Foundation. The investigation into the scandal is ongoing.
