Ron DeSantis Loses His Greatest Ally to Trump

By: Ben Campbell | Last updated: Nov 03, 2023

The only Jewish Republican in the Florida Legislature, Randy Fine, has decided to endorse Donald Trump instead of his own Governor Ron DeSantis.

Fine claims the former President has championed Jewish causes. DeSantis on the other hand has not held back and has voiced concerns about former President Donald Trump’s potential 2024 candidacy.

Representative Randy Fine

Randy Fine was first elected in 2016, and his district covered parts of Brevard County. 

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Republican presidential candidate DeSantis speaks during a conference

Source: Michael M Santiago/Getty Images


During a recent publication, Fine wrote that he could not support DeSantis’ presidential bid due to his abdication in combating statewide antisemitism. 

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DeSantis Under Fire

DeSantis has been under fire on several occasions this year due to incidents centered around neo-Nazis. 

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Neo-Nazi groups partook in a rally in Orlando, Florida

Source: Stephanie Keith/Getty Images

In July, a campaign video surfaced that featured a far-right circular symbol known as the “sonnenrad,” which is generally associated with neo-Nazi groups.

Florida's Neo-Nazi Problem

Neo-Nazi groups, who openly express their hatred of Jewish people, have become a worrying problem for Florida. 

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A group of Neo-Nazis gathered outside of a black fence, waving flags

Source: Stephanie Keith/Getty Images

One recent incident this past September saw over 40 individuals wearing swastikas as they marched over a bridge chanting “Sieg Heil” in Orlando. 

Fine Attacked by Neo-Nazis

Randy Fine claims he was attacked by a group of neo-Nazis this month. According to the report, the attackers were members of the Goyim Defense League.

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Street fight takes place between two men

Source: Ollie Millington/Getty Images

The GDL is designated an antisemitic hate group. The attack supposedly occurred outside of a conference in Cocoa. 

“His Actions Have Broken My Heart”

When Fine was asked why he couldn’t endorse DeSantis, he said he didn’t believe the Florida Governor followed through on his words. 

Ron DeSantis gives a talk to an audience at Refuge City Church

Source: Scott Olson/Getty Images

He said: “Every piece of legislation you hear [DeSantis] talk about regarding Jewish issues is one I wrote. I love his words. His actions have broken my heart.”

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Reasons Behind Fine’s Choice

According to Fine, a fund that he had helped start prior to DeSantis becoming Florida’s governor, aimed at building a state Holocaust center, had yet to begin construction after five years. 

Holocaust remembrance day inside the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol building

Source: Astrid Ricken/Getty Images

Fine also said DeSantis “has taken longer to commemorate the deaths of six million Jews than it took the Allies to stop the deaths of six million more.”

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Praise for Trump

On the other hand, Fine had plenty of praise for Donald Trump. He started out by praising the former President for moving the U.S. embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

Donald Trump gives a speech at Jewish Coalition's Annual Leadership Summit

Source: Ethan Miller/Getty Images

He also claims Trump should have received a Nobel Peace Prize for the signing of the Abraham Accords.

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Fine Makes it Clear

According to Fine, it’s perfectly clear who the Jews should vote for in the upcoming presidential election.

Donald Trump gesturing toward the crowd at an event for the Republican Jewish Coalition

Source: Ethan Miller/Getty Images

He said: “We can vote for the governor who says all the right things, or we can vote for the president who actually does them. When it comes to action, Donald Trump has never let us down.”

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Trump Calls Hezbollah ‘Smart’

Fine was also asked his opinion on Trump’s recent comments about Hezbollah. The former President called them ‘smart’ after a recent military strike.

Hezbollah supporters in military clothes gather together

Source: Manu Brabo/Getty Images

Fine said, “When I call someone a smart a**, that isn’t me calling them a good thing.”

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Not Everyone Agrees With Fine

Bryan Griffin, a spokesperson for DeSantis’ campaign, doesn’t agree with everything that Randy Fine had to say, however. 

Ron DeSantis waves to crowd following a speech in Las Vegas

Source: Ethan Miller/Getty Images

He claims that Fine’s endorsement “is nothing more than shameful political theater.”

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DeSantis Did More Than You Think

Griffin believes there’s evidence to suggest DeSantis has been a relatively pro-Jewish governor. 

Ron DeSantis gives a speech in Tampa, Florida with the American flag in the background

Source: Octavio Jones/Getty Images

He said, “From combatting antisemitism throughout Florida and its schools to securing funding for security at Jewish schools and synagogues, there’s never been a more pro-Israel governor.”

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