Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has criticized the Iran War and the administration's handling of it, stating that the conflict has led to higher gas prices that hurt working-class people. DeSantis made these comments in an interview and a press conference, signaling his potential run in the 2028 presidential election.
He aims to position himself as a Trump critic from the right, with the Iran War being a central issue. However, DeSantis's past stance on Iran contradicts his current criticism, as he has previously been a strong hawk on the issue. In his 2023 speech to Christians United for Israel, DeSantis promised to "turn the screws on Iran" and criticized the Obama-Biden foreign policies as "naïve" and "disastrous".
He also attacked Trump for criticizing Benjamin Netanyahu, showcasing his strong support for Israel. DeSantis's past support for the Iran War and his pro-Israel stance may undermine his current pitch as a critic of the war. He has praised Operation Epic Fury, argued for bombing Iran, and sent weapons to Israel during its war in Gaza.
His online network and donors also support the Iran War and Israel's annexation of Gaza and the West Bank. Despite the potential challenges, DeSantis may still be able to convince the public that he is a genuine critic of the war and foreign interventionism.
As a smart politician, he understands the need to adapt to the changing political landscape and distance himself from the administration's failures.