NY.- Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida gave a clumsy wink to social media, suggesting that Ukraine and Russia seek a ceasefire and praised the policies of former President Donald J. Trump, the man he would have to defeat in the Republican presidential nomination. , attacking the foreign policy of President Biden.
DeSantis’ quick trip abroad this week was meant to elevate his credentials as a statesman and heavyweight, taking some distance from the hubbub of the presidential campaign that hasn’t officially begun.
But if DeSantis thought that would deprive him of scrutiny, he’s wrong.
On his trip, which went to Tokyo, Seoul, Jerusalem and finally to London, where he will have some events this Friday, he was not free of mistakes or embarrassing acts.
His words have been compared to those of his rivals and previous presidential hopefuls, his facial expression has been scrutinized, even the way he places his hands has not gone unnoticed by the international media.
“There are always going to be people who are going to criticize, but I’m not worried about that,” said Kenneth T. Cuccinelli, a former Trump administration official who currently heads DeSantis’ Super PAC.
“He is proving that he can go all over the world.”
DeSantis’ foreign trip, which was ostensibly a trade mission intentionally laced with some high-spirited moments, has certainly come at a difficult political time.
Senior Republicans continue to support Trump and the head of the Senate Republican campaign, Senator Steve Daines of Montana, recently endorsed him.
DeSantis’ standing in Republican primary polls has plummeted, key donors have expressed serious doubts about the governor’s chances, and his state’s largest employer and taxpayer, Walt Disney, sued him.
