Team DeSantis embraces support from ‘former Soros employee’ for rejecting billionaire’s agenda
NEW YORK (FLV) – In response to a recent report from CNBC noting that a host of an upcoming fundraiser for Gov. Ron DeSantis’ 2024 presidential campaign was previously linked to George Soros, his campaign said they’ll “gladly utilize any contributions to oppose Soros’ agenda.”
According to CNBC, DeSantis is traveling to New York June 29 to take part in the fundraiser, hosted by “at least four Wall Street executives,” one “with past ties to a firm” backed by left-wing billionaire Soros.
Christian Michalik was reported as one of the hosts, and according to his biography, he was a “partner at Soros Private Equity Partners, a multi-billion dollar leveraged buyout fund sponsored by George Soros.”
Bryan Griffin, press secretary for DeSantis’ campaign, responded to the report in a statement to CNBC, saying DeSantis enjoys “broad support, including from Disney expats and even a former Soros employee who rejects the woke and embraces law and order.”
“We will gladly utilize any contributions to oppose Soros’ agenda and benefit the American people,” he said.
DeSantis recently responded to criticisms that he previously received money from the Walt Disney Company, a corporation he’s been at political war with for over a year.
He said he won’t “lay down” for donors and that he will “stand up for what’s right” even if it goes against what a supporter or donor believes.
Disney gave DeSantis’ previous political committee $50,000 in 2019 and $50,000 in 2021, according to the Florida Division of Elections.
“How utterly bizarre. I mean, somebody does a campaign contribution and you’re supposed to lay down for them? That’s not how I operate. People can support me or not support me. I call them as I see them. And if you’ve supported me, but you’re wrong, I’m going to do what’s right,” DeSantis said.
The governor has repeatedly called out Soros and the billionaire’s backed prosecutors, famously removing Andrew Warren from his post in 2022.
After the indictment of former President Donald Trump by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg earlier this year, DeSantis also denounced Bragg as “Soros-backed.”
“Florida will not assist in an extradition request given the questionable circumstances at issue with this Soros-backed Manhattan prosecutor and his political agenda,” DeSantis announced.
