DeSantis Criticizes California’s Policies After Newsom Meme Targets Miami Crime Statistics

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) responded sharply to a meme posted by California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s (D) campaign team, which suggested that Florida’s homicide rates in Miami were DeSantis’ responsibility. 

The meme, shared on Saturday, paired DeSantis’ face with statistics from Miami—a city outside his direct control—drawing widespread attention. 

DeSantis addressed the meme during an interview on Fox News with host Sean Hannity on Monday, emphasizing the differences in governance between Florida and California. 

“We have talked about Florida being No. 1 on so many categories: economy, new business, higher education,” DeSantis said. “And he says California is No. 1.” 

The Florida governor outlined areas where California leads the nation in ways he argued reflect poorly on the state. 

“To be bipartisan, you know, I do have to acknowledge that under Gavin Newsom’s leadership, California, they are No. 1 in a lot of things: No. 1 in homelessness. No. 1 in public defecation. No. 1 in tent cities. No. 1 for highest income tax in the country. No. 1 for highest sales tax. No. 1 for highest gas tax,” DeSantis said. 

He also noted California has “the highest electricity rates in the continental United States.” 

Experts pointed out that the meme misrepresented Miami’s homicide statistics, as city crime rates are determined by local law enforcement and municipal policies rather than state governance. 

While governors can influence funding and state-level criminal justice policy, they do not directly control city-level crime numbers. 

DeSantis contrasted his leadership with Newsom’s, highlighting Florida’s achievements in economic growth, new business formation and higher education enrollment. 

He framed his military and legal background, including his service as a Navy lieutenant commander and Harvard-educated attorney, as part of his governance approach, suggesting it contributed to the state’s stability. 

This exchange reflects a broader, ongoing tension between the two governors. 

The rivalry has played out on national stages, including a televised debate where they clashed on abortion access, immigration and economic policies, as highlighted by the Associated Press. 

DeSantis has also drawn criticism for transporting illegal immigrants to Democratic-led states like California, prompting calls for federal review and increasing the public feud.

DeSantis has frequently used California’s governance as a foil for Florida, highlighting the state’s high taxes, energy costs, and homelessness issues to promote his policies as more effective. 

These historical critiques underscore his broader messaging strategy of contrasting Republican-led Florida with Democratic-led California, particularly on economic and public safety matters. 

Newsom’s meme was intended as a political jab, but observers criticized it for conflating city-level crime with state-level responsibility, The Western Journal notes. 

Analysts said it misattributed accountability for Miami’s homicide rates, highlighting potential flaws in California’s messaging strategy.

The contrast between Florida and California is frequently cited in national discussions about taxation, public safety, social policies and economic performance. 

Florida officials tout their state’s successes, while California faces scrutiny over homelessness, energy costs, and cost-of-living challenges. 

As the governors continue to trade barbs, their public exchanges serve to highlight not only policy differences but also competing visions of leadership and governance. 

DeSantis’ response to Newsom’s meme reinforces his focus on state accomplishments, while Newsom continues to use provocative messaging to challenge Republican policies on a national stage. 

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