Hurricane Ian and the two Faces of DeSantis

By Brigitte L. Nacos

Nine years ago, when Hurricane Sandy inflicted massive damage in coastal areas of New York and New Jersey, then Congressman Ron DeSantis was one of only two members of the U.S. House of Representative to vote against the federal relief package for the struck states. At the time, he was quoted as saying that he was sympathizing with the victims of the disaster. But that did not change his mind.

This week, when Hurricane Ian caused unspeakable devastation in Florida, especially along the South-Western coast, Florida’s now Governor DeSantis lost no time to request full federal reimbursement for the first 60 days. As a starter. And President Joe Biden, who ran two years ago with the goal to unite Americans, went out of his way to assure that Floridians get all the help the federal government can provide for them.

DeSantis, who is running for reelection as governor—and even more so for Republicans’ support in the 2024 presidential race—will be the main beneficiary of Washington’s generosity that he denied nine years ago to New York and New Jersey.

At the time, Tea Party Republican DeSantis could not vote in favor of federal assistance to states with clear Democratic majorities. Now, the Democratic president who has been attacked and belittled by a politician who embraces Trumpism—although seemingly not another candidacy of Trump—suspends all partisan consideration. Rightly so.

Looking at the images of fully destroyed and heavily damaged neighborhoods in Florida and listening to the testimonies of first responders and victims of the disaster, one can only hope that they receive help enough to rebuild their lives—including federal resources.

But besides providing immediate assistance to Florida, Washington should check to what extent DeSantis did not spend the billions of dollars his state received as Covid-19 relief funds. That federal money must now be used on helping Florida’s victims of Hurricane Ian—not on duping and flying exile-seeking people from Texas to Martha’s Vineyard and not on other political tricks.