A reporter got slammed on social media for asking Governor Ron DeSantis about former President Donald Trump, a 2024 rival and fellow Florida resident, during a press conference focused on Hurricane Idalia as it smashed into his state on Wednesday.
DeSantis, who has paused his campaign for the Republican presidential nomination while spearheading Florida’s response to the storm, gave a brief response to the question — which sought his opinion on Trump not publicly commenting on Idalia — before returning to the issue of the moment.
When asked about his thoughts on fmr. Pres. Trump, who is a resident of Florida, not commenting on #HurricaneIdalia, Gov. DeSantis says it’s “not my concern”:
“My concern is protecting the people of Florida” https://t.co/dk4JEHsGM2 pic.twitter.com/QqXMs33n0r
— CBS News (@CBSNews) August 30, 2023
“It’s not my concern. My concern is protecting the people of Florida, being ready to go and we have done that,” DeSantis said before expanding on preparation efforts across the state.
“We’ll be back doing some more briefings and then as soon as the storm passes I think we’ll probably end up trying to get on the road and figuring out where the worst damage is and get down there and see what we can do to help those folks,” he added.
The exchange, which garnered more than 200,000 views in the hours after it was posted to X by CBS News, drew comments from conservatives, media figures, and others mocking and condemning the reporter for asking a political question while a major hurricane was bearing down on Florida.
“Because he’s busy leading. He doesn’t have time to post videos and wax smack. What a dumb question,” said nationally syndicated radio host Dana Loesch.
“Incredible. These people,” said Spectator contributing editor Stephen L. Miller.
“We know you’re in the middle of dealing with a serious hurricane but we’d like to see you guys fight, please,” added New York Post columnist Karol Markowicz.
“Literally in the middle of a hurricane pounding the state and this is what one idiot decided to ask. Oh. And Trump is in New Jersey, as he usually is during the warm weather months,” said media critic Joe Concha.
More comments reflected similar quips about the media. Other users complimented DeSantis for his answer to the question.
“No leader compares to Governor,” said one user. “Serious executive vs. unserious press,” chimed in another.
Christina Pushaw, the rapid response director for DeSantis, critiqued the media while sharing the video.
“Some ‘journalists’ should be ashamed of themselves,” Pushaw said. “Why ask a question about inane political back-and-forth right before a category 3 hurricane hits Florida? Is there something you could ask the governor that might actually provide useful info for your audience?”