By Meg Kinnard and Michelle L. Price | Associated Press
WEST COLUMBIA, S.C. — Florida Governor Ron DeSantis made a strategic shift in his presidential campaign, holding a brief news conference in South Carolina. However, the governor only entertained four questions, with the majority focusing on Donald Trump, the current front-runner of the Republican party.
Originally, DeSantis planned for his day on the campaign trail to revolve around filing paperwork for South Carolina’s Republican primary and unveiling a military policy plan. This was to be followed by a news conference and an interview with CNN. Before DeSantis’ event began, Trump, as usual, became the center of attention. The former Republican president revealed through his social media network that he is now under investigation by the Justice Department for attempts to overturn the 2020 presidential election results.
This unexpected turn of events highlighted the challenges DeSantis faces in his attempt to outshine Trump and gain the spotlight in the GOP presidential race. Two out of the four questions DeSantis received during the news conference focused on the potential charges against Trump and his behavior during the January 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol insurrection.
DeSantis, who has only mildly criticized Trump amidst his legal issues, made his strongest criticism yet of the former president’s actions on that fateful day. He acknowledged that Trump should have responded more forcefully to the events at the Capitol but stressed the difference between holding someone accountable for their actions and attempting to criminalize their behavior.
A reporter also inquired about DeSantis’ chances of winning in South Carolina, given the state’s strong past support for Trump. As the governor visits South Carolina for the third time as a presidential hopeful, he and his campaign face a critical moment. DeSantis initially entered the race in May with the intention of becoming Trump’s primary challenger. However, he has struggled to gain traction and recently began downsizing his campaign staff.
During his previous visit to South Carolina, DeSantis engaged with supporters and addressed their concerns. One self-proclaimed devoted Trump supporter praised DeSantis’ ability to make a compelling case for his candidacy. The governor responded by condemning what he perceives as the unfair targeting of Trump by legal cases, emphasizing his commitment to stand up for the Constitution and the American people.
On his latest visit to West Columbia, DeSantis, a former Navy officer who served in the Navy Judge Advocate General’s Corps in Iraq, unveiled his plans to reform the U.S. military, claiming it is too “woke.” He criticized the military’s use of electric vehicles and its focus on diversity and inclusion, suggesting that such initiatives create a toxic atmosphere. DeSantis also criticized the previous COVID-19 vaccine mandate for military personnel, promising to reinstate jobs and back pay for those affected if elected.
DeSantis’ policy announcement in South Carolina marks his second official proposal of the campaign. In June, he presented his immigration proposals, which include ending birthright citizenship and completing the construction of the southern border wall, during a visit to a Texas border city.
The South Carolina GOP presidential primary is scheduled for February 24. The state, known for its strong support of Trump, is critical for Republican presidential candidates. It is also home to two potential 2024 candidates, former Governor Nikki Haley and Senator Tim Scott.
Michelle L. Price reported from New York.
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