After years of accusing his political opponents of being “groomers” and “pedophiles,” the Florida Governor is on the receiving end of his favorite taunt. Former president Donald Trump is now suggesting that Ron DeSantis is a pedophile and “groomed” high school girls when he was a teacher.
Trump just posted Ron Desantis as a pedophile teacher drinking with his students. pic.twitter.com/lD3WfoqmA8
— Ron Filipkowski (@RonFilipkowski) February 7, 2023
Donald Trump Just Called Ron DeSantis A ‘Pedophile’
It seems like the 2024 presidential election is already starting. Joe Biden delivered a scalding State of the Union Address pointed at the Republicans that some say laid out the themes of his reelection campaign even though he hasn’t announced if he’s running yet. The address got a little bit hectic, with Republicans booing at Biden. The president responded by throwing scorching insults right back at them.
Trump going heavy on the “DeSantis is a pedophile” stuff today. pic.twitter.com/LS2zRpke3z
— Will Sommer (@willsommer) February 7, 2023
You’re probably not going to see a more blistering start to a campaign fight. Unless, of course, you saw the nasty Republican Party’s presidential primary that “kicked off” a few hours earlier. Former President Donald Trump called Florida Governor Ron DeSantis a pedophile.
In a post on the social media network Truth Social that Trump created in 2021, the former president alleged that his leading presidential opponent was a “groomer.” Trump’s accusations came with a picture of a young DeSantis when he was a high school allegedly drinking alcohol with high school girls, allegedly his students. “Here is Ron DeSanctimonious grooming high school girls with alcohol as a teacher,” Trump posted. “That’s not Ron, is it? He would never do such a thing!” he added. It looks like “DeSanctimonious” is Trump’s new nickname for Ron DeSantis.
Trump and DeSantis aired anti-trans video on the same day.
Trump hints at national trans bans for youth and even targets “any age.”
DeSantis knows how to use executive authority.
2024 looks difficult for trans folks.
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— Erin Reed (@ErinInTheMorn) February 2, 2023
The Right’s History With The Term “Grooming”
For years, Republicans (especially DeSantis) have been throwing around accusations of pedophilia and “grooming” at Democrats. The GOP has particularly been accusing members of the LGBTQ+ community, drag performers, and basically anyone they disagree with.
The play was taken from the QAnon conspiracy canon. They believe that Democrats and their allies are deliberately exposing children to an LGBTQ+ “agenda.” QAnon insists that Trump is a righteous individual that intends to expose this ring of “pedophiles” and bring them to justice.
The GOP has been supporting these claims and using them in their own party’s beliefs to stoke a moral panic. As governor, DeSantis has banned teachers from even admitting that homosexuality exists. He has obsessed over the very existence of drag shows. Republicans like DeSantis have used the “groomer” line because it’s a powerful political weapon. Now Trump is turning the tables on DeSantis, calling him a groomer and a pedophile.
Governor DeSantis Responds To Trump’s Attack
DeSantis quickly responded to Trump’s latest attack, saying he won’t “smear” a fellow Republican. The Florida Governor spoke to members of the press and responded to questions about Trump’s latest reproach.
“I spend my time delivering results for the people of Florida and fighting against Joe Biden—That’s how I spend my time,” DeSantis said. “I don’t spend my time trying to smear other Republicans.” Trump and DeSantis’ relationship started off great. The former president endorsed DeSantis’ 2018 election campaign. But, their relationship soured when DeSantis’ reputation grew among the Republicans. The GOP sees DeSantis as more electable and a better leader for the party.
When asked about Trump’s latest social media post and whether he would go to trial for defamation over the claims, DeSantis said he has a “thick skin.” “I would not take time out of being governor to be fighting lawsuits,” he said. “It’s just not practical.”
