In a significant setback for Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, billionaire Ken Griffin appears to be stepping back from his previous support of his presidential campaign.
Griffin, a major GOP donor and CEO of Citadel, has reportedly expressed disappointment in DeSantis’s campaign and is now sitting out the Republican presidential primary.
“I’m still on the sidelines as to who to support in this election cycle,” said Griffin, according to MediaIte. Of DeSantis, he explained, “I don’t know his strategy.” Griffin specifically cited DeSantis’s “ongoing battle with Disney,” calling it “pointless.”
“It doesn’t reflect well on the ethos of Florida,” Griffin said. “It’s not clear to me what voter base he is intending to appeal to.”
The megadonor’s apparent withdrawal of support comes at a critical time as DeSantis struggles to gain momentum in his 2024 campaign. Despite his early popularity, DeSantis has been unable to secure the backing of key GOP figures and donors, which could significantly impact his campaign’s viability.
Worse, his polling has faltered, with the candidate who once polled competitively with former President Donald Trump now falling as low as 13% in some polls.
Griffin’s decision follows a trend of skepticism and dissatisfaction among some conservatives towards DeSantis’s use of government power. Critics have questioned his strategies and decision-making, leading to growing uncertainty about his ability to lead effectively.
The billionaire’s distancing from DeSantis also underscores the ongoing dominance of former Trump within the Republican party. While DeSantis has tried to position himself as a viable alternative to Trump, his inability to retain the support of key figures like Griffin suggests that his campaign may be losing ground.
As the 2024 presidential race heats up, Griffin’s move to the sidelines raises further questions about DeSantis’s future in the race. The Florida governor’s controversial feud with Disney and the scrutiny over his promotion of a COVID treatment backed by one of his biggest political donors have already put his campaign under a cloud.
While DeSantis continues to face these challenges, Trump’s position within the Republican field remains strong. Despite facing his own set of challenges, Trump’s influence and appeal among GOP voters seem unshaken. His consistent polling numbers reflect his enduring popularity within the party, making him a formidable contender for the 2024 nomination.
Griffin’s decision to distance himself from DeSantis signals an increasing skepticism among GOP donors about the Florida governor’s viability as a presidential candidate. As we approach the 2024 elections, it will be interesting to watch whether other key GOP figures follow Griffin’s lead.
