Gov. Ron DeSantis’s campaign received backlash after sharing a controversial video on Friday that attacked former President Donald J. Trump’s record on L.G.B.T.Q. issues. The video, posted on Twitter by the “DeSantis War Room” account, initially shows a clip of Trump proclaiming his dedication to protecting L.G.B.T.Q. citizens. However, it then goes on to contrast Trump’s support for transgender rights with DeSantis’s hard-line stance on the matter.
The video features images of DeSantis, including one with lasers shooting out of his eyes, interspersed with right-wing internet memes and pop culture references. It even includes shots from the film “American Psycho.” The video was widely criticized for being homophobic, including by the Log Cabin Republicans, a prominent group representing gay and lesbian Republicans. They called the video “divisive and desperate” and accused it of venturing into homophobic territory.
This divisive move by DeSantis’s campaign comes at a time when he is struggling to gain traction in polls against Trump. It appears to be a tactic to attract more attention and outrage from liberals. However, some within his own party, including Republican political strategist Sarah Longwell and former Republican congressman Adam Kinzinger, criticized the video and questioned its effectiveness.
DeSantis’s campaign shared the video on Twitter with the text: “To wrap up ‘Pride Month,’ let’s hear from the politician who did more than any other Republican to celebrate it,” referring to Trump. While Trump was seen by some as being more open to the L.G.B.T.Q. community during his 2016 campaign, he later dismantled several L.G.B.T.Q. protections put in place by President Barack Obama.
This video reflects DeSantis’s effort to position himself further to the right in the Republican primary. He has signed bills restricting classroom instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity, as well as punishing businesses that admit minors to certain performances. He has also made it a misdemeanor offense for people to use bathrooms that do not correspond to their sex at birth in public buildings.
Furthermore, the video demonstrates DeSantis’s embrace of the language and references of fringe online conservatives. This approach aims to connect with right-wing voters online but may risk alienating more moderate voters in a general election. Additionally, it could put off Republican donors who are watching to see how DeSantis progresses on issues like L.G.B.T.Q. rights.
Overall, DeSantis’s provocative video has drawn criticism from both Democrats and some within his own party. It remains to be seen how this will impact his campaign moving forward and whether it will help or hinder his chances against Trump in the polls.