Politico published a lengthy hit piece titled the “Casey DeSantis Problem” as her husband, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R), is set to announce a presidential run for 2024.
Citing hundreds of interviews from more than 60 “former staffers, current supporters and donors, state and federal lawmakers and Florida lobbyists and political professionals,” Michael Kruse, senior staff writer for Politico, wrote more than 4,600 words about Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis’ role as former President Trump has made DeSantis his No. 1 target in the Republican presidential primary.
“In the DeSantis political project, she is unusually important and uncommonly involved,” Kruse posited.
Her biggest slight? The Sunshine State’s first lady is credited with making a “shortsighted calculation” and “possibly fatal mistake” by ousting Susie Wiles, the Republican operative who helped Trump get elected in Florida in 2015, DeSantis get elected governor in 2018, “but now is running Donald Trump’s rival White House bid.”
A campaign staffer told the outlet DeSantis is a “vindictive motherf–er,” adding that Casey is “twice that.” Another staffer claimed she is “more paranoid” than her husband.
Kruse pointed to Trump loyalist Roger Stone calling her “Lady Macbeth” in a Telegram post, despite Politico senior writer Katelyn Fossett claiming last year that the “Lady Macbeth trope” against first ladies “shows us how gender roles can still be weaponized in political attacks.” Except, she cited Democrats, not a Republican.
In another main part of the piece, DeSantis donor Dan Eberhart said “his biggest asset and his biggest liability” is Casey, explaining the campaign will “need serious help” to beat Trump.
Conservatives were quick to defend the couple against the attack.
National radio host Todd Starnes told his listeners Friday: “It’s a low blow. Pretty nasty, too.”
Fox News contributor Mollie Hemingway called it a “deranged and catty piece.”
“I can only assume she once rejected him or something,” she tweeted. “His evidence she plays too prominent role? DeSantis’ most rabid opponents don’t like her and campaign mailers also picture HER. LOL.”
Fox News contributor Karol Markowicz said, “when you’ve entertained some stupid Roger Stone comment for several paragraphs, that’s how you know you write totally garbage.”
Fox News host Lisa Boothe tweeted, “I admire the relationship they have. This article is dumb.”
“A disgusting hit piece on Casey DeSantis, who my family and I know well and is a dear friend,” Levin tweeted. “Media lowlifes just cannot control themselves…The media hate smart, strong, professional Republican women who are also loving mothers and wives, and who support their husbands.”
According to a recent poll, Florida Republicans may love their governor but it’s Trump, who’s a resident of the state, they’d like to see in the White House in 2024.