Ron DeSantis slammed as he warns House Republicans about Joe Biden impeachment inquiry
MIAMI, FLORIDA: Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has drawn criticism from fellow Republicans after warning that a formalized GOP impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden could serve as a "Trojan horse" and distract from crucial issues.
In an interview on 'Meet the Press' that aired on Sunday, December 3, the Florida governor acknowledged that an impeachment inquiry would be justified but urged Republicans to prioritize addressing voters' concerns on issues such as the budget, border security, and the economy.
Republicans divide over impeachment inquiry
"If you're doing the inquiry, which again, I think is justifiable, you also have to be addressing all these other issues," DeSantis said. “Make sure you’re not ignoring all these other issues and don’t use that inquiry as kind of a Trojan horse to not then meet your responsibilities and all these other things.”
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) claimed to have secured the votes to formalize the impeachment inquiry into President Biden, a move initiated by Johnson's predecessor Kevin McCarthy (R-California) back in September without a formal vote.
The lack of formal authorization has prompted accusations from the White House, which claimed that inquiry "lacks constitutional legitimacy," per CNN.
The absence of formal authorization for the inquiry becomes a crucial point as subpoenas have been issued, including those against key figures like Hunter Biden and James Biden. Legal challenges may arise due to the lack of a formal backing for the investigation.
Ron DeSantis labeled 'disappointment' on social media
Governor DeSantis faced social media backlash for his reservations about the potential impeachment inquiry.
"He's been bought!!!" one alleged on X (formerly Twitter). "Who does he think this message appeals to? Big fat cat money is all I can think of," another slammed the governor.
Who does he think this message appeals to? Big fat cat money is all I can think of.🤔 pic.twitter.com/b0eg2X2j0o
— Peoples Front for the Liberation of Comedy! (@eichholtz_40323) December 3, 2023
"Not a good look. It's a very basic move that should have happened YEARS ago. Congress is a disaster, at this point," a third comment read.
"He's turning into a bigger disappointment and even I thought he was," someone else fumed. "Does anyone care anymore what this loser says?" another added.
Not a good look. It's a very basic move that should have happened YEARS ago. Congress is a disaster, at this point.
— Victro2 (@shadowban_fix) December 3, 2023
He's turning into a bigger disappointment and even I thought he was
— Mark K. Clotfelter (@ClotfelterK) December 3, 2023
An impeachment inquiry, distinct from a formal impeachment, is a fact-finding mission centered on allegations of influence peddling.
DeSantis expressed skepticism about the Biden family's overseas business dealings. “I think that the Biden family — the amount of money that flowed into that family — to me, is corrupt. I think that it’s not been explained in ways that make any sense,” he said.
Addressing another hot-button issue, DeSantis clarified his position on a national six-week abortion ban, stating that such decisions should be made in a "bottom-up way."
“Part of me promoting a culture of life is to do things that are achievable and that obviously would have consensus,” he explained. “No taxpayer funding for abortion. We’re going to eliminate the abortion tourism policy of the Department of Defense.”
DeSantis hinted at plans for healthcare reform, indicating a proposal that would supersede Obamacare. The governor emphasized a focus on achieving "more transparency, more consumer choice, more affordable options, less red tape, less bureaucracy weighing everybody down."
Critique of Donald Trump and polling challenges
In a critique of former President Donald Trump, DeSantis called attention to Trump's reconsideration of alternatives to Obamacare.
"This is part of a pattern where he's running on things that he didn't do," DeSantis said, mentioning the incomplete border wall and other isses.
He added, "Here's what I will do. What I think they're going to need to do is have a plan that will supersede Obamacare that will lower prices for people so that they can afford health care while also making sure that people with pre-existing conditions are protected."
DeSantis, interviewed after completing events in all 99 counties of Iowa, faces a significant polling gap nationally, trailing Trump by about 40 points in a November poll by NBC News.
The poll indicated Trump as the preferred choice for 58% of GOP primary voters, with DeSantis at 18%. Despite the challenges, DeSantis remains optimistic about his engagement with voters.