MEAWW.COM / NEWS / HUMAN INTEREST

Here's REAL reason why Florida Guv Ron DeSantis has been 'missing' for two weeks

After widespread criticism by Dems of running away from the Omicron surge, DeSantis finally steps out in the public as team confirm reason for absence

The last time anyone saw or heard from Florida Governor Ron DeSantis was on December 19, when he appeared on Fox News. Two days before that, he made his last public appearance at a press conference to announce the availability of monoclonal antibody therapy in the state. What has he been up to since? No one really knew, prompting Democrats to slam the Governor for "running away" from the state's massive Covid surge.

Between December 19 and December 31, Florida went from averaging around 5,000 cases to over 36,000, fuelled by the Omicron variant. The massive surge has gone largely unchecked, with the state government refusing to implement measures like mask mandates, which DeSantis has repeatedly fought against. Instead of leading from the front, DeSantis went "missing", prompting attacks from leading Democrats like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

READ MORE

Is Casey DeSantis OK? Florida Governor Ron DeSantis' wife diagnosed with breast cancer

Did Publix pay Ron DeSantis for Covid-19 vaccine rollout? Florida guv slammed for accepting $100,000 donation

Instead of answering the question head-on, DeSantis' social media team began posting old photos, something that AOC even picked up in her tweet about him. Well, after two weeks we finally got an answer as to where he has been, and it might leave the Dems a little red-faced. It appears the Governor hasn't gone "missing", but rather took two weeks off for a very important reason.

Why was DeSantis 'missing'?

On October 4, DeSantis said in a statement that his wife Casey had been diagnosed with breast cancer. "As she faces the most difficult test of her life, she will have not only have my unwavering support but the support of our entire family, as well as the prayers and well wishes from Floridians across our state. Casey is a true fighter, and she will never, never, never give up," he said at the time. 

Well, it appears that her diagnosis was the reason for his absence. A spokesperson for the Governor told Fox News on December 31 that he wasn't on vacation, but instead caring for his wife following a December 19 doctor's appointment. It's unclear what happened at the appointment, with Fox only saying DeSantis accompanied Casey for treatment on December 29. No other information was available. It's also unclear why it took his team so long to confirm the news, especially since the Governor had already made Casey's cancer diagnosis public knowledge.

DeSantis Press Secretary Christina Pushaw also hit back at the mounting criticism, replying to Joy Anne-Reid, "Have you ever considered that you’re one of the reasons nobody trusts the media?" Along with that, she attached screenshots of DeSantis' public schedule, noting he was still taking meetings as of December 30. DeSantis communications staffer Kyle Lamb also hit back, telling critics "Not having public events does not = 'vacation.'"

On December 31, DeSantis made his first public appearance at a 'Let Us Worship' event in Miami, where he was honored with the 'Defender of Freedom' award. He tweeted a photo from the event, adding, "In Florida, we will protect the right to worship and won’t let anyone shut you down." Before that, he was also spotted at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami for the annual Orange Bowl game. He also tweeted a video that appears to be from the game, where he can be seen interacting with the players.

DeSantis himself though has not commented on his absence. But given that his team has refused to divulge more information, it appears things may not be very good right now with Casey. Hopefully, she recovers soon.