While Texas Republican Gov. Greg Abbott has long complained of lax security along America's southern border, the identity of another border hawk may come as a surprise to some.
Despite not hailing from a border state, Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis recently spoke passionately while pledging to "shut the border down."
According to the Daily Caller, DeSantis made the promise while addressing attendees at Iowa Republican Sen. Joni Ernst's annual "Roast and Ride" event this past weekend.
"I’ve heard, as a Republican, talk about this southern border for years and years and years," DeSantis told those who came to hear him.
"I will finally be the president to bring this issue to a conclusion. We will shut the border down," the Florida governor went on to insist.
"We will build a border wall. We will end mass migration into this country. And we will hold the Mexican drug cartels accountable for the carnage they have unleashed on the American people," he declared.
.@RonDeSantis at today's Roast and Ride does not mince words about what's needed at the southern border. He will be the one to get it done.
"I've heard, as a Republican, talk about the southern border for years and years and years. I will FINALLY be the president to bring this… pic.twitter.com/vW1ZSqDfHZ
— Bryan Griffin (@BryanDGriffin) June 3, 2023
In addition to touching on border issues, DeSantis also called attention to woke policies within the U.S. military, something the governor said he will do away with upon winning the presidency.
"I’m proud to have served in the United States Navy and done a tour in Iraq and the people I serve with were honorable, patriotic people," DeSantis recalled.
"For you veterans in the crowd, thank you for your service. I think all of us have a sense of pride and being able to wear the cloth of your country," the governor said.
"But we’ve seen the military become politicized in recent years. You see woke agenda being imposed on it," he continued.
"On day one as commander-in-chief, I rip it all out. We’re getting the military back to basics. We’re going to improve morale, and we’re going to get people to want to join the military again," he announced.
DESANTIS on woke indoctrination in the military:
"On Day One as Commander in Chief, I RIP IT ALL OUT." pic.twitter.com/r74B2yrM7u
— DeSantis War Room 🐊 (@DeSantisWarRoom) June 3, 2023
The Daily Caller noted that DeSantis was not alone in appearing at the "Roast and Ride" event, as all of the other Republican hopefuls did as well aside from former President Trump. Most polls show Trump having a substantial lead over his rivals.
