Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis has spent the last three years building a political brand with national potential — polished, conservative, and positioned as her husband Florida Governor Ron DeSantis' natural successor in the Sunshine State. But a quiet $10 million transfer from a Medicaid settlement to the nonprofit initiative she leads, Hope Florida, is now drawing federal attention — and could derail her future altogether.
Established in 2021, Hope Florida is a nonprofit that aims to connect lower-class Floridians to grassroots nonprofits and faith institutions instead of relying on government aid. The DeSantises even claimed that they had Hope Florida liaisons in every sheriff's office in the state.
However, controversy erupted when it was revealed that the foundation received a $10 million donation from a $67 million settlement with the state over Medicaid overcharges from the Centene Corporation. DeSantis claimed that the $10 million donation was a separate donation by Centene in what the governor described as "a cherry on top."
@cbsnews Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is facing rare GOP scrutiny after an investigation by journalists found that $10 million originally meant to be returned to Florida taxpayers was allegedly sent to political action committees associated with DeSantis. @cbsmiami reporter Jim DeFede explains how after the state was supposed to receive $67 million for taxpayers due to Medicaid overpayments, DeSantis’ administration allegedly negotiated for the that amount to be lowered to $57 million — and sent the difference to Hope Florida foundation. That foundation is meant to support Casey DeSantis’ Hope Florida, a program to help lower-income Floridians — but within days, according to the investigation, the $10 million was rerouted to political committees in support of her husband’s anti-marijuana campaign. The DeSantises deny the allegations. #rondesantis #florida #politics #floridapolitics
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This donation was subsequently funneled to two nonprofits: Secure Florida's Future, led by the president of the Florida Chamber of Commerce, Mark Wilson, and Save Our Society From Drugs, which then contributed $8.5 million to a political committee run by DeSantis' chief of staff, James Uthmeier, opposing a marijuana legalization ballot measure in 2024.
The situation has drawn concern from both sides of the aisle, with Republican state Representative Alex Andrade leading an inquiry into the foundation's activities. Andrade has accused the DeSantis administration of conspiracy and money laundering due to a lack of transparency, with the investigation reportedly being hampered by limited cooperation from the foundation and associated parties.
Former federal prosecutors have also weighed in, suggesting that the conduct could violate several federal felony statutes. Scott Newton, a former FBI agent and assistant U.S. attorney, indicated that the movement of funds among organizations might warrant charges such as wire fraud and campaign finance violations.
The controversy also casts a shadow over Casey DeSantis's potential gubernatorial ambitions for 2026. While she has garnered support among Florida Republicans, the scandal threatens to undermine her political prospects. Governor Ron DeSantis has dismissed the allegations as politically motivated attacks against his wife, but the growing bipartisan concern suggests the issue transcends partisan politics.
As the situation unfolds, the U.S. Department of Justice and the FBI have been called upon to investigate the matter further.
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