DeSantis’ office slams Trump super PAC ethics complaint as ‘frivolous and politically motivated’
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FLV) – According to documents obtained by NBC News, former President Donald Trump-supporting super PAC “Make America Great Again Inc.” filed a legal complaint with the Florida Commission on Ethics for violating ethics and election laws via a “shadow presidential campaign.”
Gov. Ron DeSantis’ office told Florida’s Voice they are “adding this to the list of frivolous and politically motivated attacks.”
“It’s inappropriate to use state ethics complaints for partisan purposes,” they said.
The complaint alleged that there is “strong evidence” of DeSantis breaking various campaign-related laws, arguing that some of the activities that have helped the governor’s “ascension to the national stage” being funded by “a vast network of political committees” and other groups are evidence of illegal activity.
“[They] are in furtherance of his personal financial gain at the expense of Florida taxpayers, and are intended to influence his official decision to resign from office. It is no secret that Governor DeSantis aspires to national prominence,” it said.
They described DeSantis as a “de facto candidate for President of the United States under federal election laws.”
The complaint said that DeSantis’ “failure to declare” an official 2024 candidacy is a “coordinated effort” so that he may accept “illegal campaign contributions and certain personal benefits” meant to influence any decision to resign from office to become president.
Notably, the filing argued that one of DeSantis’ “illegal gifts” includes being hosted as a speaker across the country for his “The Courage to Be Free” book tour.
“The primary purpose of this scheme is to benefit, directly and indirectly, Governor DeSantis by elevating his national prominence and enriching organizations that support his federal candidacy,” they said.
The super PAC’s complaint was sent to Ethics Commission Chairman Glenton Gilzean.
The complaint concluded that the commission must investigate “as soon as possible.”
“No person is above the law, not even the Governor,” they said.
DeSantis’ book launched on Feb. 28. After, DeSantis spoke across both Florida and the country, recently traveling to Iowa and Nevada.
The governor also headlined various Republican club dinners, including in Texas and California, to promote the idea of a “Florida Blueprint,” as laid out in his book.
