Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is set to make a significant announcement about his presidential aspirations, according to three sources familiar with the plans. The announcement will take place during a discussion on Twitter Spaces, the platform’s audio chat feature, with Elon Musk, CEO of Twitter. The event, scheduled for Wednesday at 6 p.m. ET, will be moderated by David Sacks, a tech entrepreneur who supports both Musk and DeSantis. In addition to the online event, a launch video will be released, and DeSantis plans to visit early states after Memorial Day.
The collaboration with Elon Musk, known for his massive following and 140 million Twitter followers, is expected to provide a major boost to DeSantis. It will introduce him to Musk’s audience and lend him credibility. However, there is also the concern that DeSantis may be drawn into controversies surrounding Musk’s controversial comments. Musk’s admiration for DeSantis, who shares his criticisms of corporate media, has been evident, and he expressed support for DeSantis in the event of a presidential run. The announcement coincides with a retreat for high-end fundraisers in Miami who have pledged their support to DeSantis, further solidifying the ties between the billionaire entrepreneur and the rising star of the Republican Party.
The involvement of Musk in DeSantis’ presidential launch marks a significant departure from the usual distance maintained by other tech companies. While companies like Twitter and Facebook have engaged in election-related initiatives, they have largely refrained from aligning themselves with specific candidates. Musk’s participation further undermines the perception of Donald Trump’s inevitability and power within the Republican Party. Despite Musk’s statement that he will not formally endorse DeSantis at this time, his involvement is seen within the DeSantis team as a clear sign of support. However, Musk’s unpredictable nature was evident when he recently praised one of DeSantis’ rivals for the GOP nomination. The risks associated with the partnership include the potential overshadowing of DeSantis by Musk’s international fame and the need for DeSantis to address or distance himself from Musk’s controversial positions. Nevertheless, the DeSantis team remains unfazed, believing that the governor does not require the sole spotlight and that the collaboration with Musk will be beneficial in reaching conservative audiences directly through Twitter.
