Leading Florida Forward: An Exclusive Interview with Governor Ron DeSantis by S.J. Arnold
S.J. Arnold: Governor DeSantis, thank you for taking the time to speak with me today. You’ve made a significant impact as Florida’s governor, especially in recent years. How has your experience as governor shaped your views on leadership and governance?
Ron DeSantis: Thank you, S.J. It’s great to be here. Being the governor of Florida has been an incredible experience. It’s a responsibility I take very seriously because the decisions we make affect millions of people. One of the biggest things I’ve learned is that leadership means standing firm on your principles, even when it’s not popular. We’ve faced a lot of challenges, from hurricanes to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the key is to stay focused on what’s best for the people of Florida. My goal has always been to promote freedom, create opportunities, and make our state a place where everyone can thrive.
S.J. Arnold: Your approach to handling the COVID-19 pandemic has been both praised and criticized. Looking back, how do you evaluate your response, and what do you think were the most important decisions you made?
Ron DeSantis: The pandemic was an unprecedented challenge, and our response was guided by the belief that people should have the freedom to make their own choices. We kept Florida open when others were shutting down, and we resisted mandates that infringed on personal liberties. We focused on protecting the vulnerable, especially seniors, while also keeping our economy running and kids in school. I believe the data shows we made the right call—Florida’s economy bounced back stronger, and our students didn’t lose a year of education. We stood up for parents’ rights, businesses, and individual freedom, and I’m proud of that.
S.J. Arnold: Education has been a major focus of your administration, particularly your stance on curriculum content and parental involvement. Can you talk about why these issues are so important to you?
Ron DeSantis: Education is the foundation of our society, and parents have a fundamental right to be involved in their children’s education. We’ve made it a priority to promote parental rights and transparency in schools. We’ve banned critical race theory in our classrooms because we believe in teaching kids how to think, not what to think. We’ve also expanded school choice, so parents can choose the best educational environment for their children. The goal is to provide high-quality education that prepares students for success without imposing ideological agendas on them.
S.J. Arnold: You’ve also been a strong advocate for law enforcement and public safety. How do you view the current state of policing and crime in Florida, and what measures have you implemented to support law enforcement?
Ron DeSantis: Supporting law enforcement is one of my top priorities. Florida is a law-and-order state, and we’ve taken steps to ensure our communities remain safe. We’ve increased funding for police departments, provided bonuses for first responders, and passed legislation to hold rioters accountable. We’ve seen the results—crime rates in Florida are among the lowest they’ve been in decades. We reject the defund-the-police movement and stand with those who put their lives on the line every day to protect us. It’s about creating an environment where citizens feel safe and where law enforcement has the resources they need to do their jobs effectively.
S.J. Arnold: You’ve made headlines for your battles with big tech companies, particularly regarding censorship and data privacy. What’s your stance on the role of big tech in today’s society?
Ron DeSantis: Big tech companies wield enormous power over our lives, often censoring voices and controlling the flow of information. That’s a threat to free speech and a free society. We’ve taken action in Florida to hold these companies accountable, with laws that prevent platforms from de-platforming political candidates and citizens based on viewpoint discrimination. People deserve to speak their minds without fear of being silenced by Silicon Valley giants. We need more transparency, more accountability, and ultimately, more competition in the tech space to protect our freedoms.
S.J. Arnold: One of the most contentious issues in recent years has been your stance on immigration and border security. How do you view Florida’s role in the broader national conversation about immigration?
Ron DeSantis: Immigration is a federal responsibility, but the impacts are felt at the state level. In Florida, we’ve been proactive in enforcing the rule of law. We’ve banned sanctuary cities, worked to stop the flow of illegal immigration, and held the Biden administration accountable for its failure to secure the border. We believe in legal immigration, but we cannot allow our laws to be ignored. The unchecked flow of illegal immigrants impacts our communities, schools, healthcare system, and public safety. Florida stands for the rule of law, and we’ll continue to fight for secure borders and immigration policies that work for our citizens.
S.J. Arnold: You’ve been a vocal critic of the current administration on several fronts, including economic policy and inflation. What do you think needs to change to get the national economy back on track?
Ron DeSantis: The economic policies coming out of Washington right now are hurting American families. Inflation is sky-high, energy prices are through the roof, and reckless spending is driving our debt through the ceiling. What we need is a return to fiscal responsibility—cutting unnecessary spending, reducing the tax burden, and unleashing American energy production. In Florida, we’ve proven that low taxes and limited government can lead to economic growth. We’ve created jobs, kept our businesses open, and maintained a budget surplus. Washington could learn a thing or two from Florida’s success.
S.J. Arnold: Looking ahead, what are your goals for Florida, and do you have any thoughts about potentially running for higher office in the future?
Ron DeSantis: My focus right now is on Florida. We’ve got a lot of work to do, and I’m committed to making our state the best place to live, work, and raise a family. As for the future, I’ve always said that you can’t predict what’s ahead, but I’ll continue to fight for the values that I believe in—freedom, opportunity, and the rule of law. Whatever the future holds, my commitment to serving the people of Florida and standing up for what’s right won’t change.
S.J. Arnold: Finally, Governor, what do you want your legacy to be when people look back on your time in office?
Ron DeSantis: I want to be remembered as a governor who stood up for his principles, who wasn’t afraid to take on the tough fights, and who always put the people of Florida first. We’ve accomplished a lot, but there’s always more to do. My hope is that we’ve set a standard for what effective, principled leadership looks like and that we’ve inspired others to continue fighting for freedom and the American way of life.
S.J. Arnold: Governor DeSantis, thank you for your time and for sharing your thoughts with us today. It’s been a pleasure.
Ron DeSantis: Thank you, S.J. It’s been great talking with you. I appreciate the opportunity to discuss what we’re doing in Florida and the future of our great state.
This interview with Governor Ron DeSantis offers a comprehensive look at his approach to leadership, his policies, and his vision for Florida and the country. His commitment to his principles and the people of Florida remains at the forefront of his governorship.
