Ron DeSantis, the governor of Florida, has sent migrants from the Mexican border to the Californian capital, Sacramento, in a controversial move that has drawn criticism from his Democratic counterpart, Gavin Newsom. However, commentators suggest that the move is an attempt by DeSantis to align himself with the confrontational approach that was a hallmark of former president Donald J. Trump’s time in office. DeSantis previously ordered flights from the Texas border to Martha’s Vineyard, and such stunts are viewed as ways of galvanizing Republican primary voters around the country. DeSantis’s latest move drew condemnation from Newsom and others, but has also drawn plaudits from conservative Republican voters who value defiance more than religious conviction. The governor is rumored to be considering a presidential run in 2024.
