WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Thomas Massie (R-KY) explained why he wants to see Florida Governor Ron DeSantis in the White House in 2024.
In an interview with Fox Business on Thursday, Massie was asked to explain his reasoning behind endorsing the governor.
“Ron DeSantis had to take on Big Ag to become governor,” Massie began, referencing DeSantis 2018 gubernatorial primary victory over Adam Putnam, Florida’s Commissioner of Agriculture at the time.
“He’s taken on Big Pharma, he’s taken on Big Tech, he’s taken on Big Entertainment,” Massie continued. “He is somebody who walks the walk. I mean, he’s done it all in Florida.”
DeSantis and Massie became friendly with one another through their years together in Congress from 2013 to 2018.
“We had several battles where we were in the trenches together, fighting the internet tax for instance,” Massie added.
Rep. Thomas Massie on why he's supporting Ron DeSantis for president:
— Never Back Down (@NvrBackDown24) April 20, 2023
"He's taken on Big Pharma, he's taken on Big Tech, he's taken on Big Entertainment... He's done it all in Florida... He's decisive but not impulsive, and I think that's what this country needs.
"DeSantis puts… pic.twitter.com/TNjwh5AqPT
DeSantis has not yet announced his candidacy for president, but is widely expected to do so.
“DECISIVE, NOT IMPULSIVE”
In one of his compliments of the governor, Massie took a thinly veiled shot at former president Donald Trump.
“[DeSantis] is decisive, but not impulsive. And I think that’s what this country needs,” Massie said.
Massie made another reference to Trump when asked about former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie calling DeSantis “anti-corporation” for his ongoing battle with Disney.
“There’s a phrase ‘Make America Great Again’ or ‘Put America First,’” Massie began, referring to Trump’s popular slogans. “Ron DeSantis puts Americans first, not American corporations. He’s not a corporatist, it’s true.”
Days before Massie endorsed the governor, he fired off a shot at Trump for endorsing “swamp creature Paul Ryan.”
“I was the only member of the GOP to vote against Paul Ryan, but there was no chance to defeat him once Trump endorsed him,” Massie tweeted.
Massie concluded by suggesting DeSantis and Trump are the only candidates who have a shot at winning.
“It’s a two-way race and I think it’s going to be a two-way race to the finish,” he said. “There’s no third place in this.”
