DeSantis Slams Florida House Republicans, Says They’re Smearing Him and the First Lady

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is firing back at fellow Republicans in the state House, accusing them of running what he calls a “smear campaign” against both him and First Lady Casey DeSantis. The escalating drama is centered on a $10 million donation to a charity founded by the First Lady — a move that’s now under scrutiny by some lawmakers.

At a press conference in Kissimmee on Monday, DeSantis didn’t hold back. He called out members of his own party, accusing them of turning on their voters and aligning with Democrats and the media.

“Not only are they trying to sabotage that agenda,” DeSantis said, “but they are stabbing the voters in the back with their behavior. Shame on you in the Florida House and your terrible behavior and leadership.”

A Charity, a Settlement, and a Lot of Questions

At the heart of the controversy is the Hope Florida Foundation, a nonprofit launched by Casey DeSantis to help low-income families and connect them with support services. Earlier this year, the foundation received $10 million from a legal settlement between the state and Centene Corporation, a Medicaid contractor that had been accused of overbilling Florida.

The money — part of a larger $67 million settlement — was intended to support social services. But critics are questioning what happened next. Two groups that received large grants from the Hope Florida Foundation reportedly donated an equal amount to a political committee opposing a recreational marijuana ballot initiative.

That raised red flags for both Democrats and Republicans, some of whom are now questioning whether taxpayer money was indirectly used for political purposes — a potentially serious violation of campaign finance rules.

DeSantis Digs In

Despite the growing criticism, DeSantis insists the money was used appropriately. He points to the broader success of the Hope Florida initiative, saying it has already helped thousands of Floridians get off welfare and back on their feet.

“This program has helped more than 30,000 people,” he said. “It’s saved the state $100 million. That’s real impact.”

The governor also pushed back hard on the idea that his wife’s involvement in the foundation is unethical. “Casey’s been working on this for years,” he said. “This isn’t about politics — it’s about helping people. And it’s working.”

A Divided Republican Party

The situation has highlighted growing divisions within Florida’s Republican leadership. DeSantis, who recently ended his presidential campaign and returned to state politics, now appears to be at odds with the very lawmakers he’ll need to work with over the next two years.

Some believe this tension could have ripple effects beyond the current controversy. With speculation mounting that Casey DeSantis may run for governor in 2026, how this situation unfolds could play a role in shaping her political future — and the GOP’s direction in Florida.

Meanwhile, House Democrats aren’t holding back either. Rep. Fentrice Driskell, the Democratic leader in the House, called the situation “an illegal, coordinated scheme” and demanded full transparency.

“This looks, smells, and feels like an abuse of taxpayer dollars,” she said.

What Happens Next?

Right now, the Florida House is continuing to dig into the donation and how the money was ultimately spent. Whether the investigation leads to any legal consequences remains to be seen. But the political fallout is already in full swing.

DeSantis has made it clear that he sees the investigation as politically motivated, accusing House leaders of trying to kneecap the state’s progress just to score points.

“We’ve got real problems to solve,” he said, “and this is what they want to spend their time on?”

With Florida’s legislative session in full swing and 2026 already on the minds of many in Tallahassee, the battle lines are being drawn — not between Republicans and Democrats, but within the GOP itself.