Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) says he does not want to hear “hear a blip about COVID” from President Joe Biden until the president stems the flow of northern migration.
On Wednesday, DeSantis said, “Joe Biden has taken to himself to try to single out Florida over COVID. This is a guy who ran for president saying he was going to ‘shut down the virus.'”
“And what has he done? He’s imported more virus from around the world by having a wide-open southern border,” he added.
The Florida governor referred to reports that said at least 210,000 migrants crossed into the U.S. in July, which was the highest one-month total in 21 years. Some Republicans have claimed that Biden’s immigration policies have fueled the flood of northern migration and helped spread the virus.
“Why don’t you do your job? Why don’t you get this border secure? And until you do that, I don’t wanna hear a blip about COVID from you, thank you,” DeSantis added.
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Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL), whose state is experiencing record COVID hospitalizations, to President Biden:
“Why don’t you do your job? Why don't you get this border secure? And until you do that, I don’t wanna hear a blip about COVID from you, thank you.” pic.twitter.com/lqyTV1l9ou— The Recount (@therecount) August 4, 2021Should Biden criticize DeSantis' handling of the pandemic?
Florida currently has the second-highest number of coronavirus cases per capita. The state is currently recording an average of 17,629 new cases a day, a 128% increase from the previous 14 days.
Meanwhile, 51% of the state’s residents are unvaccinated.
DeSantis has also signaled that he will not impose a mask mandate and moved to block schools from requiring students to wear masks.
During an event at the White House on Tuesday, Biden addressed governors who banned mask mandates, “I say to these governors: Please help. But if you aren’t going to help, at least get out of the way.”
“The people are trying to do the right thing. Use your power to save lives,” he added.
DeSantis’ comments come just over a month after he praised Biden for being “very supportive” in the wake of the collapse of a condo in Surfside, Florida.
