A pro-Trump super PAC files an ethics complaint against DeSantis

Donald J. Trump spent much of the last year teasing the presidential campaign. New York magazine says He has “already made that decision” about whether to run last summer, assuring the crowd at his rallies for months that they will be “very happy” with his choice.

Now, Mr. Trump’s allies accuse Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis of doing the same — but insist he violated state law.

MAGA Inc., Mr. A super PAC supporting Trump filed a complaint with Florida authorities on Wednesday, saying it was targeting Mr. DeSantis was accused of running a shadowy presidential campaign.

As he toured the country meeting with donors, raising money for a political group and selling books, Mr. The super PAC said DeSantis should be considered a presidential candidate.

“Governor DeSantis’ failure to announce his candidacy was not a mere oversight,” MAGA Inc. told the Florida Ethics Commission. The complaint says. “It was a concerted effort specifically designed to get him to accept unethical gifts, illegal campaign contributions and certain personal benefits.”

A pro-Trump super PAC, this one Sent a complaint In a certified mail filing Wednesday, Florida is asking the state commission to impose “the most severe penalties” under the Ethics Act, including, among other things, impeachment, impeachment, public censure and ballot disqualification. NBC News As reported earlier Wednesday on the complaint.

Darrin Fenske, a spokesman for the governor’s office, said the complaint was part of a “list of frivolous and politically motivated attacks” and added that “government ethics make it inappropriate to use complaints for partisan purposes.”

Mr. Although DeSantis has not formally announced a White House bid, he is checking all the boxes of a potential candidate. He has published a book that doubles as a 2024 campaign platform outline and is promoting the book on a nationwide tour — including stops in the top three Republican primary states. He also laid out foreign policy positions on Fox News this week.

The pro-Trump group’s allegations echo a similar complaint filed against Mr Trump by a Democratic super PAC in March last year. In that complaint, the Democratic group American Bridge argued to the Federal Election Commission that Mr. Trump was acting like a 2024 presidential candidate while avoiding federal oversight by not filing a nomination.

Within 30 days Mr. The group filed a lawsuit against the federal commission in July, seeking to compel Trump to take action. “The suit alleges that Trump attempted to cover up his run for president to keep voters in the dark about his contributions and expenses.

Mr. The FEC did not take action against Trump. Four months later he announced a formal presidential campaign.

Mr. Trump’s allies may face a similarly difficult road in getting the state’s ethics commission to work. Five of the nine members of the commission were Mr. DeSantis appointed.

Mr. Trump and Mr. The DeSantis were once political allies, but grew increasingly hostile towards each other.

Branding himself as one of his party’s most ruthless political fighters, Mr. DeSantis, so far Mr. He refused to confront Trump directly. Instead, he met Mr. Showing a subtle contrast with Trump, his administration in Tallahassee was free of leaks and confusion — the kind that often plague the Trump White House — and cheered the leadership of Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, during the Covid-19 pandemic Mr. One of Trump’s top public health advisers.

On the other hand, Mr. Trump, Mr. DeSantis has grown increasingly aggressive in his attacks.

At an event in Davenport, Iowa, on Monday, Mr. Attacking DeSantis, who said the Florida governor wants to “destroy” Social Security and Medicare, Mr. By supporting programs that raise the age of eligibility.

Mr. DeSantis made his first appearance to Iowa voters in the same Mississippi River town three days after Mr. Trump planned his event.