The COVID-19 pandemic of 2020-21 underscored the wisdom of the Founding Fathers in establishing federalism as a safeguard against tyranny. Simply put, when a state government falls under tyrannical control, citizens have the option to relocate to a freer state.
On Thursday, during a press briefing, Florida’s Republican Governor Ron DeSantis highlighted these principles as he criticized Minnesota’s Democratic Governor Tim Walz for his authoritarian actions during the COVID era, including the creation of a “snitch hotline” that encouraged people to report on neighbors who didn’t comply with the governor’s COVID-related mandates. DeSantis argued that this hotline “called forth the worst instincts in human beings.”
Earlier in the week, Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic Party’s 2024 presidential nominee, selected Walz as her running mate—a decision that has brought increased scrutiny to the Minnesota governor. Walz has recently been embroiled in a “stolen valor” controversy, facing backlash for allegedly misrepresenting his military rank while serving in the Minnesota National Guard and for reportedly choosing to run for Congress instead of deploying to Iraq with his unit.
DeSantis approached the criticism from a different angle, focusing on the migration trends from Democrat-controlled states. “You look at, since 2020, we have the most net in-migration of any state,” DeSantis said. “And it’s coming from states, you know, like Minnesota quite frankly, with Walz.” He later elaborated, saying, “As Florida governor, I learn a lot about other states because when people leave those states, they tell me why they left those states. And I remember during COVID the absolute frustration that people had moving from Minnesota because of how they were being treated.”
DeSantis then directly addressed the contradiction between Walz’s rhetoric and his actions. “He’s got this line in the stump speech saying, you know, ‘Our neighbors can do what they want. Mind your own damn business.’ Fine. Then why did you set up a snitch hotline for neighbors to report on their neighbors for violating your draconian COVID restrictions?” DeSantis asked, growing increasingly animated.
After receiving applause, DeSantis continued to criticize Walz’s blend of tyranny and hypocrisy. “He’ll say, ‘We should make health care choices, that’s your choice.’ Fine. Great. Then why did you impose a mandate to take an experimental mRNA COVID shot on your people? He did that for all state employees,” DeSantis said. “This is just absolutely ridiculous.” Notably, DeSantis refused to even use the word “vaccine.”
With these remarks, DeSantis reaffirmed why many conservatives have long admired him. A five-minute clip of the press briefing, with relevant comments on Walz’s COVID policies starting around the 2:15 mark, is available for viewing.
Former President Donald Trump has garnered the loyalty of millions, especially after facing numerous legal and political challenges, which have only strengthened his supporters’ belief that he poses a significant threat to the deep state. While DeSantis may not overcome Trump in the 2024 Republican primary, his stance on COVID policies has earned him the reputation as one of America’s best governors among many Trump supporters. DeSantis’ critique of Walz is likely to resonate with voters already disinclined to support the Minnesota governor.
However, it remains to be seen whether this line of attack will resonate with the broader electorate. The COVID era exposed two types of tyrants: elected officials like Walz who implemented authoritarian measures and the citizens who willingly reported their neighbors. DeSantis was right to criticize Walz and to commend those Minnesotans who relocated to Florida. But questions remain about how many of the “would-be tyrants” stayed behind, remain unrepentant for their actions, and plan to vote for the Harris-Walz ticket in November.
