Governor Ron DeSantis Comments on Jan. 6 and Criticizes Media and Democrats
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis marked the third anniversary of the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol by criticizing Democrats and the media, accusing them of using the attack as a “bloody shirt” to impugn Americans. DeSantis, who has been repeatedly questioned about Jan. 6, called it a “riot” and accused President Joe Biden of failing to be a uniter for the country.
Leaning into Historical References
DeSantis used the term “wave the bloody shirt,” a reference to rhetoric in the late 19th century after the Civil War. The term was used against politicians, primarily Republicans, who referred to the losses of the war while campaigning.
DeSantis’ Previous Stance on Jan. 6
While DeSantis was critical of the Jan. 6 riots immediately after they occurred, he later accused Democrats and the congressional committee investigating the attacks of trying to smear Trump supporters. On the first anniversary, he rejected defining the riots as an “insurrection” due to the lack of charges fitting that definition.
Current Legal Challenges
With two states blocking Trump from the primary ballot based on the 14th amendment, DeSantis criticized efforts to disqualify Trump without a conviction, stating it violated due process rights. The U.S. Supreme Court will consider whether states have the power to disqualify Trump from the ballot.
DeSantis vs. Trump Dynamics
DeSantis, challenging Trump for the GOP presidential nomination, has struggled to gain traction. The comments by DeSantis on Jan. 6 contrast with Trump, who brought up the attacks during a rally, mentioning Antifa and the FBI’s involvement and referring to those imprisoned as “hostages.”
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