DeSantis team rips into the Daily Beast over claim  campaign recruited influencers: 'A complete fabrication and you know it'



The office of Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis denied accusations leveled in a Daily Beast story that the campaign had recruited social media influencers to increase the governor's national profile.

The article claimed reliance on five anonymous Republicans "familiar with the discussions" where DeSantis campaign members allegedly orchestrated messaging through a small band of right-wing social media figures.

Christina Pushaw, the rapid response director for the DeSantis campaign, immediately denied the story and forcefully criticized the article and its author, Jake Lahut.

"Dude, this is a complete fabrication and you know it," she tweeted Wednesday.

Dude, this is a complete fabrication and you know it. That's why there are no emails, text messages, or other pieces of evidence that I or anyone connected to our team ever did any of what's alleged. Because it. did. not. happen. The "anonymous sources" = voices in your head.
— Christina Pushaw 🐊 🇺🇸 (@ChristinaPushaw) January 25, 2023

"That's why there are no emails, text messages, or other pieces of evidence that I or anyone connected to our team ever did any of what's alleged. Because it. did. not. happen. The 'anonymous sources' = voices in your head," she added.

"Governor DeSantis won by 20 points. He has millions of supporters. Many are on social media. This is not news. Do people really pay for tweets??" Pushaw said in a second tweet.

She also denied the claim that she had personally made a pitch to influencers to post about DeSantis.

"There is no recruitment pitch — and @JakeLahut knows it. This is a lie, from start to finish. It is not even a convincing lie. Why would I pitch random Republicans and promise to grow their engagement? How would that even help the governor in any way?" she tweeted and added laughing emojis.

DeSantis is widely considered a likely competitor for the Republican presidential nomination for 2024 against former President Donald Trump, who has already announced his campaign. One recent poll found DeSantis trailing behind the former president among likely GOP primary voters.

Here's more about DeSantis winning in Florida:

DeSantis IMMEDIATELY Nukes Woke Ideology After Being Sworn In As Governor www.youtube.com

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'Now, the gloves are off': Christina Pushaw resigns from role as press secretary for Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and joins the DeSantis re-election campaign



Christina Pushaw has resigned from her job as press secretary for Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and will now work as the rapid response director for the conservative Republican governor's re-election campaign.

"For the last 15 months, I have been blessed to work with the most dedicated and talented public servants in the country, inspired by the Governor's courage, leadership, and bold agenda," Pushaw wrote in a resignation letter. "I thank Governor DeSantis, Chief of Staff James Uthmeier, and Communications Director Taryn Fenske for entrusting me with this responsibility. You gave me latitude to respond to media narratives in direct and often unconventional ways, allowing me to redefine this role for a leader whose actions speak for themselves."

\u201cNow, the gloves are off \ud83d\ude2c\u201d
— Christina Pushaw \ud83d\udc0a \ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\uddf8 (@Christina Pushaw \ud83d\udc0a \ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\uddf8) 1660315989

Pushaw told the Daily Wire that she will begin her new role on Monday, and that it will entail "communications and research."

Bryan Griffin, who has been serving as DeSantis's deputy press secretary, will now take on the press secretary job.

"It has been an honor to work with and learn from @ChristinaPushaw," Griffin tweeted. "I look forward to serving @GovRonDeSantis and the people of Florida in this new role. Like Christina did so well, I will ensure the governor's message is amplified and that false narratives are debunked."

DeSantis, who has become an immensely popular figure on the political right, is currently seeking re-election during the Sunshine State's gubernatorial election contest.

U.S. Rep. Charlie Crist and Florida Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services Nikki Fried are the most prominent candidates running in the state's Democratic gubernatorial primary. Earlier this year, U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) endorsed Crist.

Crist previously served as governor of Florida from early 2007 through early 2011 — he won the governorship as a Republican, then later lost a U.S. Senate bid while running as an independent in 2010. In 2014 Crist lost a Florida gubernatorial election while running as a Democrat.

"Now, the gloves are off," Pushaw tweeted regarding her job shift. Pushaw, who is known for being an outspoken critic of the media, told the Daily Wire that the comment was a bit "tongue-in-cheek," pointing out that she does not generally hold back when responding to the media.

"Traditionally for a state employee, you don’t have a lot of latitude," Pushaw said, according to the outlet. "But I've been really fortunate to have that latitude to respond, to debunk those false narratives for more than a year that I've been here."

"By the way, for the past 15 months, I have really enjoyed working with the reporters who truly want to get the facts and report fairly on Florida and @GovRonDeSantis," Pushaw tweeted. "On here I call out the bad, but there are still some good ones… and I see you."

\u201cBy the way, for the past 15 months, I have really enjoyed working with the reporters who truly want to get the facts and report fairly on Florida and @GovRonDeSantis. On here I call out the bad, but there are still some good ones\u2026 and I see you \ud83d\udc40\ud83d\udc95\u201d
— Christina Pushaw \ud83d\udc0a \ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\uddf8 (@Christina Pushaw \ud83d\udc0a \ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\uddf8) 1660327198

GOP governors vow to fight Biden's vaccine mandate 'to the gates of hell'



President Joe Biden is ushering in COVID-19 vaccine mandates for up to 100 million Americans. However, many Republican governors are vowing to fight back against the sweeping coronavirus vaccine mandate. At least 23 GOP governors denounced Biden's vaccine mandate.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis questioned the humanity of Biden's forced vaccinations.

"How could we get to the point in this country where you would not let them earn a living because of their choice on the vaccine?" DeSantis said. "I just think that's fundamentally wrong. I do not believe that people should lose their jobs over this issue, and we will fight that."

"How could we get to the point in this country where you would not let them earn a living because of their choice o… https://t.co/EC6R95pH7A

— Christina Pushaw (@ChristinaPushaw) 1631222250.0

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said the mandates are "an assault on private businesses" and pledged to "halt this power grab."

"Biden's vaccine mandate is an assault on private businesses," Abbott said. "I issued an Executive Order protecting Texans' right to choose whether they get the COVID vaccine & added it to the special session agenda. Texas is already working to halt this power grab."

Biden’s vaccine mandate is an assault on private businesses.I issued an Executive Order protecting Texans’ right… https://t.co/atwY5FuQeL

— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) 1631229046.0

South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem told Biden, "See you in court."

South Dakota will stand up to defend freedom. @JoeBiden see you in court.

— Governor Kristi Noem (@govkristinoem) 1631218458.0

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp proclaimed, "I will pursue every legal option available to the state of Georgia to stop this blatantly unlawful overreach by the Biden administration."

I will pursue every legal option available to the state of Georgia to stop this blatantly unlawful overreach by the Biden administration.

— Governor Brian P. Kemp (@GovKemp) 1631222708.0

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey said Biden's vaccine mandates are "nonsense."

"President Biden has overreached with these new mandates, and we're united in fighting back," Ivey said on Friday. "I'm partnering alongside my conservative colleagues across the country in this fight. This is a fight for businesses, our hardworking men and women, and our American liberties."

"I encourage Alabamians to take the vaccine – have been since the beginning, but we're never going to mandate it," Ivey continued. "And we certainly aren't going to allow Washington, D.C., and this president to tell Alabama what to do. Here in Alabama, we don't put up with that nonsense."

Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon said the Biden administration's "unconstitutional overreach of executive power has no place in America. Not now, and not ever."

"The Biden Administration's announcement to mandate COVID-19 vaccinations or weekly testing for private businesses is an egregious example of big government overreach," Gordon stated. "Our Constitution was written and fought for to protect our liberties as American citizens."

"This administration's latest pronouncement demonstrates its complete disregard for the rule of law and the freedoms individuals and private companies enjoy under our Constitution," he tweeted. "In Wyoming, we believe that government must be held in check. I have asked the Attorney General to stand prepared to take all actions to oppose this administration's unconstitutional overreach of executive power. It has no place in America. Not now, and not ever."

The Biden Administration’s announcement to mandate COVID-19 vaccinations or weekly testing for private businesses i… https://t.co/4QU6gcGDd4

— Governor Mark Gordon (@GovernorGordon) 1631226025.0


I have asked the Attorney General to stand prepared to take all actions to oppose this administration’s unconstitut… https://t.co/0MukHPAeey

— Governor Mark Gordon (@GovernorGordon) 1631226026.0

Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey also accused the Biden administration of overreach.

"This is exactly the kind of big government overreach we have tried so hard to prevent in Arizona — now the Biden-Harris administration is hammering down on private businesses and individual freedoms in an unprecedented and dangerous way," Ducey explained. "This will never stand up in court."

"This dictatorial approach is wrong, un-American and will do far more harm than good. How many workers will be displaced? How many kids kept out of classrooms? How many businesses fined? The vaccine is and should be a choice. We must and will push back," Ducey said.

This dictatorial approach is wrong, un-American and will do far more harm than good. How many workers will be displ… https://t.co/AjtEWeqxPw

— Doug Ducey (@dougducey) 1631218792.0

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee called the mandate a "power grab."

"'This is not about freedom' is a phrase that should never come out of a U.S. President's mouth," Lee said, quoting Biden's speech on Thursday.

"For a fight that requires working together, a lot of cynical and divisive edicts came out of the White House today pitting the vaccinated against the unvaccinated, businesses against employees, and the federal government against states," Lee added. "The Constitution won't allow this power grab, and in the meantime, I will stand up for all Tennesseans."

“This is not about freedom” is a phrase that should never come out of a U.S. President’s mouth.

— Gov. Bill Lee (@GovBillLee) 1631230295.0


Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts said his state will "stand up" and "explore all our options" with the attorney general.

"President Biden's announcement is a stunning violation of personal freedom and abuse of the federal government's power," Ricketts wrote. "This plan isn't about public health – this is about government control and taking away personal liberties."

"Americans, not the federal government, are responsible for taking charge of their personal health," he continued. "It is not the role of the federal government to mandate their choices. Nebraska will stand up…working with the Attorney General to explore all our options."

President Biden’s announcement is a stunning violation of personal freedom and abuse of the federal government’s po… https://t.co/Lu9gF1Tymj

— Gov. Pete Ricketts (@GovRicketts) 1631224920.0


Nebraska will stand up to President Biden’s overreach, and we will be working with the Attorney General to explore… https://t.co/XkLIDxBSKH

— Gov. Pete Ricketts (@GovRicketts) 1631224922.0

South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster blasted Biden for turning the American dream into a nightmare.

"The American Dream has turned into a nightmare under President Biden and the radical Democrats," McMaster exclaimed. "They have declared war against capitalism, thumbed their noses at the Constitution, and empowered our enemies abroad."

"Rest assured, we will fight them to the gates of hell to protect the liberty and livelihood of every South Carolinian," he declared.

Rest assured, we will fight them to the gates of hell to protect the liberty and livelihood of every South Carolinian.

— Gov. Henry McMaster (@henrymcmaster) 1631221934.0

North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum said he is already discussing "options for mounting a legal challenge to President Biden's plan."

"We've reached out to the ND Attorney General to discuss options for mounting a legal challenge to President Biden's plan to impose a vaccine mandate on private businesses," Burgum said. "This gross federal overreach goes against everything I believe as a governor, business owner & American."

"The White House needs to be reminded that the states created the federal government, not the other way around, and we will always vigorously defend states' rights," he declared.

The White House needs to be reminded that the states created the federal government, not the other way around, and… https://t.co/fit0erSIkc

— Gov. Doug Burgum (@DougBurgum) 1631289273.0

Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt said there will be no "government vaccine mandates" in his state.

"It is not the government's role to dictate to private businesses what to do," Stitt stated. "Once again President Biden is demonstrating his complete disregard for individual freedoms and states' rights."

"As long as I am governor, there will be no government vaccine mandates in Oklahoma," he proclaimed. "My administration will continue to defend Oklahoma values and fight back against the Biden administration's federal overreach."

My administration will continue to defend Oklahoma values and fight back against the Biden administration’s federal overreach.

— Governor Kevin Stitt (@GovStitt) 1631223360.0

Missouri Gov. Mike Parson promised to fight back against the federal government.

"Vaccination protects us from serious illness, but the decision to get vaccinated is a private health care decision that should remain as such," Parson stated. "My administration will always fight back against federal power grabs and government overreach that threatens to limit our freedoms."

Vaccination protects us from serious illness, but the decision to get vaccinated is a private health care decision… https://t.co/VMFEhpCakn

— Governor Mike Parson (@GovParsonMO) 1631225871.0

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine wrote, "I think the President made a mistake by announcing federal vaccine mandates. We should be focused on the science of preventing virus spread - the vaccine is our best tool to stop COVID - but people and business owners should make their own decisions about vaccination."

I think the President made a mistake by announcing federal vaccine mandates. We should be focused on the science of… https://t.co/cye9KrVVLS

— Governor Mike DeWine (@GovMikeDeWine) 1631291315.0

Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves said Biden's "unconstitutional move is terrifying."

"The President has no authority to require that Americans inject themselves because of their employment at a private business," Reeves said. "The vaccine itself is life-saving, but this unconstitutional move is terrifying. This is still America, and we still believe in freedom from tyrants."

The President has no authority to require that Americans inject themselves because of their employment at a private… https://t.co/8TE96tzAQX

— Tate Reeves (@tatereeves) 1631223585.0

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds said Americans need to do what's best for them, and Biden's order will worsen the workforce shortage.

"President Biden is taking dangerous and unprecedented steps to insert the federal government even further into our lives while dismissing the ability of Iowans and Americans to make healthcare decisions for themselves," Reynolds declared. "Biden's plan will only worsen our workforce shortage and further limit our economic recovery."

"As I've said all along, I believe and trust in Iowans to make the best health decisions for themselves and their families," she continued. "It's time for President Biden to do the same. Enough is enough."

President Biden is taking dangerous and unprecedented steps to insert the federal government even further into our… https://t.co/1tyXUbbycl

— Gov. Kim Reynolds (@IAGovernor) 1631222353.0


As I’ve said all along, I believe and trust in Iowans to make the best health decisions for themselves and their fa… https://t.co/7m9IhNpsU3

— Gov. Kim Reynolds (@IAGovernor) 1631222384.0

Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb pushed back against Biden's vaccine mandate.

"I believe the vaccine is the no. 1 tool that will protect us & our loved ones against COVID-19. It's the tool that will end the pandemic," Holcome began his tweet thread. "However, I strongly believe it's not the state or federal government's role to issue a vaccine mandate upon citizens & private businesses. This is the approach our administration has taken all along."

"The announcement from President Biden is a bridge too far. Private businesses should be able to look at their own mission, their staff & their goals & make the decision best for them that will keep their doors open," he said. "I believe it is fundamentally a citizen's right to choose whether or not to get the vaccine. While I wish everyone would get the vaccine, we are a country built on this exact type of freedom."

I believe the vaccine is the no. 1 tool that will protect us & our loved ones against COVID-19. It's the tool that… https://t.co/HFINyVkE7y

— Governor Eric Holcomb (@GovHolcomb) 1631288011.0


Idaho Gov. Brad Little issued a statement, "Today's actions from President Biden amount to government overreach. Government should stay out of decisions involving employers and their employees as much as possible. I've advocated for and championed fewer government regulations and mandates on business."

I still urge Idahoans to choose safe and effective ways to protect themselves from COVID-19 for the continued healt… https://t.co/85UVT70OTB

— Brad Little (@GovernorLittle) 1631224892.0

Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte slammed the vaccine mandate, "President Biden's vaccination mandate is unlawful and un-American. We are committed to protecting Montanans' freedoms and liberties against this gross federal overreach."

President Biden’s vaccination mandate is unlawful and un-American. We are committed to protecting Montanans’ freedo… https://t.co/28VFvCxPwR

— Governor Greg Gianforte (@GovGianforte) 1631223557.0

Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson issued a statement against the order.

"I have been consistent in the freedom of businesses to require their employees to be vaccinated, and I have opposed the government from saying businesses cannot exercise that freedom," Hutchinson noted. "The same principle should protect the private sector from government overreach that requires them to vaccinate all employees."

In response to President Biden’s Covid-19 action plan: https://t.co/550XsT704V

— Gov. Asa Hutchinson (@AsaHutchinson) 1631224198.0

Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy called to remove Biden via the 25th Amendment.

"This is ridiculous and unenforceable. If there was ever a case for the 25th Amendment…," Dunleavy suggested.

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox reacted by saying, "Getting vaccinated is the single most important thing people can do right now to protect ourselves and our community and reduce the spread of the Delta variant. While we support efforts that encourage vaccinations, we have serious concerns about the legality of the order."

West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice stated, "I absolutely think that that is wrong. I am absolutely not in support of doing that in any way in the state of West Virginia."