DeSantis and Haley Engage in Heated Exchanges With Misleading Claims

As the race for the Republican presidential nomination intensifies, Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida and former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley are locked in a bitter battle, using aggressive tactics that involve misleading claims. The accusations cover areas such as dealings with Chinese companies, energy policies, taxes, and refugees.

Here’s a fact-check breakdown of some of their claims:

1. DeSantis on Haley’s dealings with Chinese companies:
   • DeSantis claimed Haley welcomed Chinese companies into South Carolina, gave them land, and wrote a “love letter” to the Chinese ambassador. The facts indicate that while Haley welcomed Chinese companies, the county, not the state, provided land to China Jushi. Additionally, Haley did write a letter thanking the Chinese ambassador in 2014.
2. Pro-Haley super PAC on DeSantis giving millions to Chinese companies:
   • The claim that DeSantis gave “millions” to Chinese companies is false. While state agencies in Florida made purchases from Chinese-affiliated companies, there is no evidence DeSantis directly gave millions. The assertion about DeSantis voting to fast-track Obama’s Chinese trade deals is flawed as no such trade deals were made with China during that time.
3. Haley on DeSantis and Chinese businesses:
   • Haley accused DeSantis of chairing an economic development agency that welcomed Chinese businesses and having a company manufacturing Chinese military planes. The report about Florida being an “ideal” place for Chinese businesses is outdated. However, Cirrus Aircraft, with Chinese military plane connections, did expand locations in Florida. JinkoSolar, a Chinese solar panel company, faced a Homeland Security raid in Florida.
4. Pro-DeSantis super PAC on Haley’s stance on gas taxes:
   • The claim that Haley broke her promise by supporting an increase in gas taxes is misleading. While the ad includes clips of Haley opposing gas tax increases, she later clarified that she would consider it only if accompanied by an income tax rate reduction and changes to the state’s Department of Transportation.
5. DeSantis campaign on Haley wanting to import Gazan refugees:
   • The claim that Haley wanted to import Gazan refugees is false. DeSantis and supporters misrepresented Haley’s comments, where she expressed sympathy for Palestinians but explicitly stated the U.S. should not take in Gazan refugees.
6. Haley’s campaign on DeSantis being anti-fracking:
   • The claim that DeSantis is anti-fracking is misleading. While DeSantis opposed drilling and fracking in Florida during his gubernatorial campaign, he has expressed support for fracking and offshore drilling nationally during his presidential campaign.

The ongoing exchanges between DeSantis and Haley highlight the intense competition within the Republican Party as they seek to challenge former President Donald J. Trump for the presidential nomination. Voters are encouraged to critically evaluate the claims made by both candidates.