Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and his campaign have been facing criticism for misrepresenting comments made by Republican rival Nikki Haley about the people of Gaza.[0] In a video clip posted by a pro-DeSantis super PAC, Haley is seen arguing for “bringing Gaza refugees to America.” DeSantis and his campaign then shared a video of him responding to what they claimed was Haley’s desire to import Gazan refugees to the US. However, nowhere in Haley’s comments did she suggest that the US should accept Gazans as refugees.[0]
DeSantis, who is also a 2024 GOP presidential candidate, has been vocal about his opposition to accepting Gazans as refugees. He claimed that they are all antisemitic and do not believe in Israel’s right to exist.[1] His argument against bringing Gaza refugees to the US is based on his belief that their culture teaches hatred towards Jews and prepares young children to commit terrorist attacks.
In response to DeSantis’ misrepresentation of her comments, Haley expressed firm opposition to accepting refugees from Gaza. She argued that Middle Eastern countries sympathetic to Hamas should take in these refugees instead.[0]
Despite the criticism, DeSantis has continued his campaign against accepting Palestinian refugees. He signed an executive order authorizing evacuation operations to bring stranded Florida residents back home from Israel. The state partnered with a non-profit organization called Project Dynamo to facilitate these flights.[2] So far, two flights have landed in Tampa, carrying evacuees escaping the ongoing conflict in Israel.[3]
DeSantis has been praised for his quick response in evacuating Floridians from Israel, stating that he is proud of how the state has been able to activate resources and bring people home free of charge. However, his stance on accepting Gaza refugees has raised concerns about his portrayal of an entire population as antisemitic.
Critics argue that DeSantis’ broad brushstroke approach is unfair and misleading. They point out that not all Gazans are members of Hamas or hold antisemitic views.[1] They also highlight the danger of spreading such rhetoric, citing an incident where a 6-year-old Palestinian-American boy was stabbed to death by a landlord who targeted the family because of their Muslim faith.[4] Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez condemned DeSantis’ rhetoric, stating that it is dangerous and unacceptable for a leader to amplify such a message.[4]
As DeSantis campaigns for the 2024 presidential nomination, he faces competition not only from former President Donald Trump but also from Nikki Haley. Recent polls have shown Haley surpassing DeSantis in popularity, emphasizing the importance of maintaining his position as the top GOP alternative to Trump.
In conclusion, DeSantis’ misrepresentation of Nikki Haley’s comments about Gaza refugees has sparked controversy. While DeSantis argues against accepting Gazans as refugees, Haley has expressed firm opposition to it. The Florida governor’s stance has drawn criticism for painting an entire population as antisemitic and for spreading dangerous rhetoric. As the 2024 presidential race heats up, DeSantis faces competition from Haley and a need to maintain his position as a top GOP alternative to Trump.
0. “Fact check: DeSantis campaign falsely describes Haley’s comments on the people of Gaza” erienewsnow.com, 19 Oct. 2023, https://www.erienewsnow.com/story/49858169/fact-check-desantis-campaign-falsely-describes-haleys-comments-on-the-people-of-gaza
1. “DeSantis in Iowa: I won’t let Gaza refugees into the U.S.” Iowa Capital Dispatch, 14 Oct. 2023, https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2023/10/14/desantis-in-iowa-i-wont-let-gaza-refugees-into-the-u-s/
2. “DeSantis welcomes 270 American evacuees from Israel at Tampa airport” Axios, 16 Oct. 2023, https://www.axios.com/2023/10/16/desantis-israel-american-evacuees-florida
3. “Second flight of Americans from Israel lands in Tampa” Bay News 9, 18 Oct. 2023, https://www.baynews9.com/fl/tampa/news/2023/10/18/second-flight-of-evacuated-americans-from-israel-lands-in-tampa
4. “Ron DeSantis Reminds America That Harvard and Yale Graduated An Ignorant Bigot” The Nation, 19 Oct. 2023, https://www.thenation.com/article/politics/ron-desantis-gaza-bigotry/
