In an interview with CBS News senior White House and political correspondent Ed O’Keefe, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis expressed that it is ultimately up to voters to decide the impact of former President Donald Trump’s legal troubles on his eligibility, especially as he faces the potential for a third criminal indictment. The conversation took place in Iowa while Trump’s attorneys met with federal prosecutors at the special counsel’s office in Washington, D.C. DeSantis has taken a moderate stance on Trump’s legal battles, often accusing federal prosecutors of pursuing politically motivated indictments while refraining from fully defending Trump.
DeSantis emphasized the importance of voters making the ultimate decision, stating, “At the end of the day, voters make that decision. Some people ask me, ‘Well, if somebody’s indicted, should they be able to run?’ The problem is we’ve seen political indictments. I mean, I think Bragg was political. You have these other people. So, that would just give any prosecutor the ability to render someone ineligible. So, I’ve not said that. But I also think just at the end of the day, the election’s got to be about the future.”
Trump recently announced that he is the target of a grand jury probe regarding his alleged interference with the 2020 presidential election and peaceful transfer of power.
During the interview, DeSantis also defended Florida’s new middle-school social studies standards, which include teaching about the skills developed by slaves for their own benefit. Vice President Kamala Harris criticized these standards and accused Florida officials of promoting falsehoods. Black conservative GOP Rep. Byron Donalds has also called for changes to the standards. DeSantis and his team denied any intention of picking a fight with Donalds, stating their focus is on standing up for Florida against liberal criticism.
DeSantis has made adjustments to his campaign, reducing his staff in an effort to maintain his position as the second-place candidate behind Trump in most polls. However, the political landscape is subject to change leading up to the first Republican primary debate on August 23 in Milwaukee.
Contributing to this report was Aaron Navarro.
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