Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) is reacting to Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s suggestion that he might back the governor for president.
During an event on Wednesday, the Florida governor was asked about Musk’s tweet.
“What I would say [is] I’m focused on 2022. But with Elon Musk, what I would say is, you know, I welcome support from African Americans. What can I say?” DeSantis responded.
Some in the audience were heard laughing and DeSantis appeared to try to hold back a smirk.
Watch the video below:
Gov. Ron DeSantis reacts to Elon Musk saying he would vote for him if he ran for president:
— The Post Millennial (@TPostMillennial) June 15, 2022
"I welcome support from African Americans. What can I say?" pic.twitter.com/n3OK5b0ocp
Some conservatives have sarcastically labeled Musk “African American” as they note that he was born in South Africa and moved to the U.S.
On Tuesday night, Musk commented on a story about Republican Mayra Flores’ victory in the special election for Texas’ 34th Congressional district.
“I voted for Mayra Flores – first time I ever voted Republican. Massive red wave in 2022,” he wrote.
I voted for Mayra Flores – first time I ever voted Republican.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 15, 2022
Massive red wave in 2022.
One Twitter user asked, “I assume republican for president [too]?”
“Tbd,” Musk replied.
When asked if there was a certain candidate he was “leaning” toward, Musk said, “DeSantis.”
DeSantis
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 15, 2022
Musk also said he supported Andrew Yang in 2020, but he believes DeSantis has a better chance of winning the election.
The billionaire has been critical of President Joe Biden. During an appearance on the “All In” podcast last month, Musk said, “It’s hard to tell what Biden is doing, to be totally frank.”
He continued, “The real president is whoever controls the teleprompter. The path to power is the path to the teleprompter, cause he reads the teleprompter.”
“I do feel like if somebody were to accidentally lean on the teleprompter, it’s going to be like Anchorman,” he added.
However, Musk has also stated he would like a “less divisive” candidate than former President Donald Trump in 2024.