Ron DeSantis’ campaign received criticism for a video shared on Twitter on July 1, 2023. The video aimed to conclude ‘Pride Month’ by showcasing Donald Trump’s previous endorsement of gay rights. However, it also featured DeSantis signing bills that faced opposition from LGBTQ advocates. These bills included a law restricting medical care for transgender children and another banning minors from attending drag shows.
Gay Republicans and LGBTQ advocacy groups swiftly condemned the video. Richard Grenell, the first openly gay White House Cabinet official, labeled it as “undeniably homophobic.” The Log Cabin Republicans, representing LGBTQ conservatives, stated that the video had entered homophobic territory.
Ron DeSantis’ campaign defended the video, claiming it merely showcased Trump’s inconsistency on gay rights. However, questions about DeSantis’ own stance on LGBTQ issues have been raised, as he has not yet responded to the criticism.
The video’s release coincides with DeSantis being seen as a potential contender to Trump in the 2024 Republican presidential primary. While some conservatives praise his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and opposition to vaccine mandates, his LGBTQ policies have drawn criticism.
The video is likely to further ignite the debate surrounding DeSantis’ LGBTQ views. It remains intriguing to see how Trump will respond to the video, as his lack of defense could be interpreted as a sign of weakened ties between them.
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