In a Thursday interview, Florida Republican Governor Ron DeSantis stated that on “day one” of his hypothetical tenure in office, he would dismiss special counsel Jack Smith, who filed two indictments against former President Trump, if elected president.
DeSantis expounded upon his credentials as the preeminent candidate to secure the Republican nomination in 2024 during an interview with Jason Chaffetz on Fox News.
DeSantis commented on Trump’s upcoming legal battles before stating that he would be able to maintain his concentration on holding individuals accountable, including Smith.
“I think that a guy like me as the nominee will be able to keep the focus on Biden, keep the focus on the Democrats’ failures, but then, more importantly, after you win the election, start holding these people accountable, who have weaponized the legal system to go after their political enemies.” DeSantis said
“And that starts with day one, firing somebody like Jack Smith. That goes to dealing with people who are violating constitutional rights at the state and local government area,” he continued.
Much of the sentiment expressed in DeSantis’s remarks is mirrored in those of Trump, who frequently criticize the Justice Department for what he calls the “weaponization” and holds accountable those responsible for a portion of Trump’s legal troubles.
By making the commitment to dismiss Smith, DeSantis indirectly associates himself with certain campaign pledges made by Trump.
Smith initiated two legal proceedings against Trump: one related to his purported intention of obstructing the handover of power and securing his continued presidency subsequent to his defeat in the 2020 presidential election, and the other concerns his purported deliberate retention of national security information and defiance of demands to return the documents to the federal government.
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