Governor DeSantis in the Spotlight: The Controversial Choices Shaping His Leadership

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has introduced several major policies and actions that have caught national attention and helped define his political image. 

In fact, his leadership has drawn both support and criticism, putting him at the center of national political discussions.

Here are seven head-turning maneuvers and policies he has enacted. 

1. COVID-19 Management

DeSantis adopted a controversial approach to managing the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing personal freedom over strict public health mandates. He resisted statewide mask mandates and lockdowns, promoting the idea that Floridians should have the autonomy to make their own health decisions.(ref) 

This strategy positioned Florida as a contrasting model to states with stricter measures, appealing to many conservative voters who prioritize individual liberties over government intervention.

2. Parental Rights in Education Act

This law, often referred to by critics as the “Don’t Say Gay” bill, restricts discussions of sexual orientation and gender identity in schools, particularly for younger students.(ref) 

DeSantis has framed this legislation as a means to protect parental rights and ensure that children are not exposed to topics deemed inappropriate. The law has since ignited national debate about educational content and parental control in schools.(ref)

3. Aggressive Immigration Policies

DeSantis has taken a hardline stance on immigration, including the deployment of state resources to combat illegal immigration. He has supported legislation that enhances cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities.

Furthermore, he has proposed measures to restrict benefits for undocumented immigrants, positioning Florida as a state with stringent immigration enforcement policies.

4. Political Retaliation against Opponents

DeSantis has used his gubernatorial powers to remove local officials and school board members who oppose his policies, notably ousting a state attorney who he claimed was not enforcing laws effectively.(ref)

This tactic has raised concerns about authoritarianism and the politicization of state power, as it reflects a willingness to use state mechanisms to eliminate political adversaries and consolidate power.

5. Expansion of Gun Rights

DeSantis has consistently advocated for gun rights, earning high ratings from the National Rifle Association (NRA). 

He signed legislation that allows individuals to carry concealed firearms without a permit, arguing that this measure enhances personal safety and self-defense rights.(ref) This move aligns with his broader agenda of promoting conservative values and appealing to the pro-gun electorate.

6. Education Reform & Curriculum Control

Under DeSantis’s leadership, Florida has seen major changes in educational policies, including the banning of critical race theory in schools and the implementation of laws that limit discussions on systemic racism and privilege. 

These reforms are part of his effort to adjust educational content to fit conservative views, aiming to address concerns from parents about what they see as liberal bias in schools.

7. Cultural & Social Policy Initiatives

DeSantis has positioned himself as a defender against what he terms “woke” culture,(ref) and signed a bill banning critical race theory teachings in the state.(ref) 

His administration has also targeted corporations that engage in social justice initiatives, asserting that businesses should not involve themselves in political matters. This approach has resonated with a segment of the Republican base that feels alienated by progressive movements.

These actions and policies show DeSantis’s method of governing, focusing on a conservative agenda about individual freedoms, parental rights, and opposition to progressive ideas. His decisions have influenced Florida’s political scene and raised his profile in national Republican politics.