Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) is reacting to Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s (D-N.Y.) recent trip to the Sunshine State.
During an event on Monday, DeSantis said, “If I had a dollar for every lockdown politician who decided to escape to Florida over the last two years, I’d be a pretty doggone wealthy man.”
“I mean, Congresspeople, mayors, governors, I mean you name it. And it’s interesting, though, the reception that some of these folks will get in Florida. Because I think a lot of Floridians say, ‘Wait a minute, you’re bashing us because we’re not doing your draconian policies, and yet we’re the first place you want to flee to to basically be able to enjoy life.’ And so, I’m not surprised to see that continuing to happen.”
Watch the video below:
"If I had a dollar for every lockdown politician who decided to escape to Florida over the last two years, I'd be a pretty doggone wealthy man."
— The Recount (@therecount) January 3, 2022
— Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) responds to Rep. @AOC (D-NY) vacationing in Miami. pic.twitter.com/r2NUIc1c7F
DeSantis’ comments come after the New York Congresswoman was mocked for traveling to Florida amid a surge in COVID-19 cases, as IJR reported.
DeSantis’ press secretary Christina Pushaw reacted on Twitter, “Florida is so dangerous [and] scary that AOC decided to go on vacation in Miami this week.”
“You know it’s a free state when even a Democrat can enjoy cocktails without being forced to show her papers or wear a mask,” she added.
The “Team Ron DeSantis” Twitter account wrote, “Welcome to Florida, AOC! We hope you’re enjoying a taste of freedom here in the Sunshine State thanks to [DeSantis’] leadership.”
Welcome to Florida, AOC!
— Team DeSantis (@TeamDeSantis) December 31, 2021
We hope you’re enjoying a taste of freedom here in the Sunshine State thanks to @RonDeSantisFL’s leadership. https://t.co/AU0Khspu8P
The New York Congresswoman responded to the “Team DeSantis” account on Friday, “Hasn’t Gov. DeSantis been inexplicably missing for like 2 weeks? If he’s around, I would be happy to say hello. His social media team seems to have been posting old photos for weeks.”
“In the meantime, perhaps I could help with local organizing. Folks are quite receptive here,” she added.
Hasn’t Gov. DeSantis been inexplicably missing for like 2 weeks?
— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) December 31, 2021
If he’s around, I would be happy to say hello. His social media team seems to have been posting old photos for weeks.
In the meantime, perhaps I could help with local organizing. Folks are quite receptive here 🙂 https://t.co/LmmqT8eLDh
As coronavirus cases rise in the state, some critics accused DeSantis of being “missing” as they noted a lack of public appearances.
However, a DeSantis spokesperson told Fox News the governor accompanied his wife to a cancer treatment last week.
Additionally, DeSantis communications staffer Kyle Lamb noted that the governor’s schedule show he had meetings and calls with officials, but no public events. He added, “Not having public events does not = ‘vacation.'”