Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has debunked the election theories put forth by former President Donald Trump and his associates following the 2020 election. Speaking to reporters during his Never Back Down bus tour in Iowa, DeSantis, who is also a Republican presidential candidate, stated that the theories were unsubstantiated and did not prove to be true. While acknowledging that the election was not conducted in the ideal manner, DeSantis emphasized the importance of not changing the rules mid-game to maintain public confidence.
DeSantis’ remarks come in the wake of Trump pleading not guilty to four criminal charges brought against him in connection with efforts to overturn the 2020 election. The charges were filed by Special Counsel John Smith as part of an investigation into the events leading up to the January 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol. Smith’s case revolves around the assertion that Trump knowingly made false election claims despite being informed by several close aides about his loss. Trump’s lawyers argue that his statements were protected by the First Amendment.
In response to the latest indictment against Trump, DeSantis criticized it as politically motivated. He expressed his belief that there are individuals within the Justice Department who have been trying to target Trump since his presidency began, responding to left-wing pressures.
DeSantis has previously focused on looking towards the future rather than dwelling on the past when asked about the 2020 election. At an event in South Carolina, he stated that candidates who dwell on the past have not fared well and emphasized the importance of holding President Biden accountable and offering a positive vision.
The Florida governor has also distanced himself from the events of January 6, asserting that he was not anywhere near Washington that day and had nothing to do with what transpired. Despite not condoning the events, DeSantis believes it is crucial to move forward rather than remain mired in the past.
During his Iowa bus tour, DeSantis indicated that if he were to be elected president, he would pardon Trump if convicted. He cited the example of President Ford pardoning President Nixon, stating that it would not be in the country’s best interest for an elderly former president to go to prison. He believes it is time to focus on the future of the nation.
In conclusion, Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida has rejected the election theories put forth by Donald Trump and his associates, deeming them unsubstantiated. He has emphasized the need to maintain confidence in the electoral process by not changing the rules mid-game. DeSantis criticized the indictment against Trump as politically motivated and expressed his intention to look towards the future rather than dwell on the past. He has also suggested that if elected president, he would pardon Trump if convicted.
