The Couch Room: Casey DeSantis on Florida's Future

Casey DeSantis:

"That's an excellent question, and I appreciate your concern about how funds are being used. When we first launched the Hope Florida Foundation in 2023, we were primarily focused on building our infrastructure and establishing relationships with community partners. This meant that not all funds were immediately disbursed to families. However, that initial investment has allowed us to create a sustainable network that can now more effectively distribute resources. In the Foundation's first year, we raised about $800,000 and only awarded $40,000 in direct financial assistance, which I understand looks concerning on paper. But those funds were supporting the development of our 'Hope Navigator' system that now connects thousands of Floridians to existing services. Today, we've significantly increased the percentage of funds going directly to families in need, and we're continuously working to improve that ratio. I'm committed to transparency, and we've implemented new reporting systems to track exactly how our funds are being used and the impact they're having on Florida families."

Casey DeSantis:

"Thank you for sharing that we're both survivors. That bond means a lot to me. Battling cancer fundamentally changed my perspective on everything, including public service. Before my diagnosis, I understood healthcare intellectually. After going through treatment, I understand it emotionally. I saw firsthand how a diagnosis affects not just the patient but the entire family. The medical bills, the logistics of treatment, the mental strain – it's overwhelming. This experience has made me a stronger advocate for comprehensive care that addresses the whole person and their support system. If I were to take on a larger leadership role, I would prioritize three things: First, expanding access to early detection programs since early diagnosis saves lives; second, investing in research – that's why I was so passionate about securing that $100 million for cancer initiatives; and third, focusing on patient support services, especially in rural areas where care is often limited. Cancer showed me that leadership isn't just about policies – it's about being present for people during their toughest moments. I want to bring that compassion to everything I do in public service."

Casey DeSantis:

"That's a fascinating question. My journalism background has been both a blessing and a challenge in public life. As a reporter, I learned how to distill complex issues into understandable stories – that's incredibly valuable when communicating policy. I also developed a sense for what makes news and how narratives form, which helps me craft more effective messages. But being on the other side has been eye-opening. I went from asking the tough questions to answering them, often under much more adversarial circumstances than I ever created as a journalist. The transition wasn't easy. I've had to develop thicker skin, particularly when stories misrepresent my intentions or work. If I run for office, I plan to use my communication background to speak directly to Floridians without relying solely on traditional media filters. I believe in transparency and accessibility – whether through town halls like this, social media, or other forums. But I also won't shy away from correcting the record when necessary. The most important lesson I've learned is that authenticity resonates. People can tell when you're speaking from the heart versus reciting talking points. So while I'm strategic about communication, I always try to remain genuine. That's something I carried from journalism into public service."

Casey DeSantis:

"I understand your concerns and appreciate the direct question. Let me clarify what happened with that $10 million. When Centene Corporation settled with Florida over Medicaid billing issues, they agreed to pay $67 million to the state. As part of that settlement, they made a separate $10 million charitable contribution to the Hope Florida Foundation. This wasn't taxpayer money being diverted from the budget; it was an additional contribution. The Foundation's board then awarded two $5 million grants to nonprofit organizations focused on public health and safety. Those organizations subsequently used some of those funds to support the campaign against recreational marijuana legalization. While I understand how this chain of events might appear concerning, I want to emphasize that neither my husband nor I directed those funds to political causes. The Foundation's independent board made those grant decisions based on what they believed would benefit Florida's communities by preventing drug abuse and addiction issues. That said, I recognize the optics problem here, and we've taken several steps to address it. We've brought in outside experts to audit the Foundation's practices, we're implementing new governance protocols to ensure full transparency, and we're refocusing our grant-making to more directly support families in need. My goal has always been to help Floridians, and I'm committed to ensuring that the Foundation operates in a way that maintains public trust."

Casey DeSantis:

"That's a thoughtful question, and I think it reflects concerns that are perfectly valid in a democracy. I believe strongly in the principle behind term limits – that fresh perspectives are valuable and that no one person or family should have a permanent claim to power. While I am considering running for governor, I want voters to know that a decision like that isn't about extending a 'dynasty' but about offering my distinct vision and experience. Yes, I've been by my husband's side during his administration, but I've also developed my own priorities and perspectives. My background in journalism, my experience as a mother, my battle with cancer – these have all shaped a worldview that's uniquely mine. If I run, I'll be asking voters to evaluate me on my own merits, my own ideas, and my own leadership style. I expect Floridians would hold me to the same high standards they would any candidate. I believe voters are discerning enough to judge candidates as individuals, not just as extensions of their families. I would welcome that scrutiny and the opportunity to demonstrate how my approach might differ from my husband's in certain areas while building on successes in others. At the end of the day, this isn't about a dynasty – it's about who has the best vision and capabilities to lead Florida forward. If I run, I'll make my case directly to voters, and they'll decide if I've earned that chance on my own."

Casey DeSantis:

"Thank you for your question and for your volunteer work – the grassroots is the backbone of our party. You're right that some of the recent infighting is concerning. I believe these internal divisions often stem from personal ambitions rather than genuine policy disagreements. Representative Andrade's investigation, for instance, appears politically motivated given the timing, especially with 2026 on the horizon. If I were to become governor, my approach to party unity would focus on three principles. First, keeping our eyes on shared conservative goals: economic prosperity, parental rights, public safety, and limited government. These core values unite us regardless of factional differences. Second, open communication – I'd maintain regular dialogue with legislators and party officials to address concerns before they become public disputes. My background in communications would be valuable here. Third, and perhaps most importantly, I'd focus on results over rhetoric. Delivering wins for Florida's families is the best way to bring people together. Internal disagreements often fade when we're achieving tangible progress. I understand that as a female candidate who's related to the current governor, I might face additional skepticism from within the party. But I believe most Republicans, once they look at my record and vision, will see that I'm focused on advancing our shared principles, not engaging in personality conflicts. My goal would be to build bridges within our diverse coalition while never compromising on our core values."

Casey DeSantis:

"I categorically reject those characterizations and find them deeply troubling. Representative Andrade's inflammatory language about 'wire fraud' and 'money laundering' is irresponsible and not supported by evidence. Let me be clear: a respected healthcare company made a legal charitable donation to the Hope Florida Foundation as part of a settlement agreement. That donation and all subsequent grants were fully documented and transparent. Nothing was done in secret or for personal enrichment. The Foundation made grants to legitimate nonprofit organizations that then supported a public policy campaign against recreational marijuana – a position many Floridians agreed with, even if the measure ultimately received significant support. I understand the concerns about the optics of this situation, but there's a vast difference between questionable optics and illegal activity. Our legal team has cooperated fully with all inquiries and provided all requested documentation. I've personally never handled the Foundation's finances or directed them to break any rules. It's worth noting that these accusations are coming from some members of my own party, which suggests this may be more about politics than genuine legal concerns. If Representative Andrade truly believed crimes occurred, that's for law enforcement to investigate – not for politicians to assert in press conferences. To date, no law enforcement agency has found any evidence of criminal wrongdoing by me, my husband, or the Foundation. I'm confident that a fair and objective review will confirm what I've said all along: our intentions were good, and our actions were legal."

Casey DeSantis:

"You're absolutely right – a charity associated with the First Lady should have been squeaky clean from day one, and I take full responsibility for the compliance issues that have come to light. When we established the Hope Florida Foundation in 2023, we moved quickly to support the state's program and, frankly, some administrative details fell through the cracks. The Foundation grew faster than our small team was prepared to handle, especially after receiving that unprecedented $10 million donation. These aren't excuses – they're explanations for what went wrong. As soon as I became aware of these compliance issues, I took immediate action. Yes, I did ask for new leadership, which led to the executive director's resignation. We needed someone with experience managing a larger-scale nonprofit with full regulatory compliance. The board member who resigned did so believing his continued presence might become a distraction. Our chairman, Josh Hay, is implementing comprehensive oversight reforms, and we've brought in outside experts to audit our finances and processes. We're working diligently to address all compliance issues, including submitting the required audits and financial disclosures. Moving forward, we're implementing robust governance procedures, enhanced transparency measures, and regular compliance reviews. In hindsight, I wish I had paid more attention to the administrative side rather than focusing solely on the program's mission. While I wasn't on the Foundation's board or staff, it bears my name and mission, so I accept responsibility for these shortcomings. I'm committed to ensuring the Foundation not only does good work but also meets the highest standards of nonprofit governance."

Casey DeSantis:

"Those criticisms cut deep because they're so far from my true intentions. Hope Florida was never about political advancement – it was about filling gaps in our social support system. When I started this program in 2021, I had absolutely no thoughts about running for office myself. I was focused on helping Florida families and privately battling cancer. Yes, I've held ceremonial check presentations with my name and the state seal – but that was to draw attention to the incredible work of local charities and faith partners receiving those grants. The publicity was for the program and its partners, not for me personally. If my presence at an event got a local mentoring program on the evening news and inspired more community involvement, then I see that as a good thing. Over the years, Hope Florida has directly assisted tens of thousands of Floridians – connecting them to jobs, housing, mental health support, and more. Those are real outcomes, not political talking points. The foundation's recent challenges don't erase those successes. As for the columnist's characterization about 'stealing from the poor' – that's not just unfair; it's patently false. Not a single cent was taken from needy families to benefit any politician. The $10 million in question was an extraordinary donation that the Foundation directed according to what its leaders believed was in the public interest. You can disagree with that decision, but calling it theft is simply wrong. I welcome oversight and criticism, but I also ask people to consider the whole picture – the thousands of families now self-sufficient, the foster youth with mentors, the parents who found jobs. That's the legacy I care about, and despite these challenges, I remain committed to ensuring Hope Florida continues to serve Floridians for years to come."

Casey DeSantis:

"Looking at you with your little one reminds me what this is all about – creating a better future for our children. Do I have regrets? Absolutely. I regret not establishing stronger oversight for the Foundation from the beginning. I took for granted that proper procedures were being followed, and I should have verified that. I regret that a program meant to help people has become a source of controversy and political ammunition. However, I will never regret starting Hope Florida or advocating for what I believed was right. Those decisions came from a sincere desire to help Floridians. This experience has taught me valuable lessons about transparency, governance, and navigating political challenges. If I do run for governor, I'll ensure any initiative I champion has rock-solid safeguards and clear communication with the public. I'll be more proactive in addressing concerns before they escalate. And I've learned not to be naive about political dynamics – even friends can become opponents when power is at stake. As for how this affects my decision to run – in some ways, it's strengthened my resolve. If I were to step away now, those attempting to tarnish Hope Florida's work would achieve their goal. I've seen how quickly good work can be overshadowed by political mudslinging, and Florida deserves leaders who won't be deterred by that. This experience has also deepened my empathy for Floridians facing adversity and reinforced my commitment to solving problems so that families like yours can focus on what matters most. While these challenges have been difficult for me and my family, they've also prepared me to be a more effective leader if I decide to run."

Casey DeSantis:

"It's been challenging, I won't sugarcoat that. I have tremendous respect for President Trump and what he accomplished for our country. My husband and I supported his policies and administration. But the political landscape has evolved. Some individuals you mentioned, like Roger Stone and Laura Loomer, have been critical of us for some time. They've seized on this situation as ammunition, even partnering with unexpected allies to amplify their criticism. Do I feel betrayed? In some cases, yes. You expect opposition from the other party, but the intensity from within your own ranks can be surprising. Matt Gaetz using his platform to fan these flames is disappointing, especially given our past working relationship. That said, I understand politics is often transactional rather than personal. They have their calculations – perhaps weakening us helps their preferred candidates or advances their interests in some way. If I run for governor, I won't have the luxury of universal party support initially. I'll need to earn it. And yes, I'm prepared for that intra-party competition, even against a Trump-endorsed candidate. This challenging period has actually been instructive – I'm learning who stands with me on principle and who doesn't. What matters most to me isn't the small circle of political operatives but the people of Florida. When I travel the state, ordinary Floridians aren't focused on internal party drama – they care about insurance rates, education, public safety, and economic opportunity. That's where I keep my focus. I'll always appreciate President Trump's contributions, but I'm my own person with my own vision for Florida. If that means navigating a complicated primary landscape, I'm prepared to do so while standing my ground for what I believe is right for our state."

Casey DeSantis:

"Thank you for that question. Florida is my home, and I'm deeply invested in its success, whether I'm in public office or not. If I were to run and be elected Governor, I'd focus on several core priorities:

Empowering Families and Communities: Hope Florida reflects my philosophy that solutions often come from the community up, not government down. I'd expand on that approach – improving education by involving parents more and supporting teachers, promoting school choice and vocational training so every child has a path to success. I'd also prioritize mental health and substance abuse treatment, especially for veterans and young people.

Economic Opportunity: We need to ensure Florida's economic success works for everyone. I'd focus on keeping taxes low and regulations reasonable while investing in workforce development so Floridians can fill high-skilled jobs. I'm particularly concerned about affordability issues – housing costs and insurance rates are major challenges that require market-friendly solutions.

Public Safety and Health: This includes supporting law enforcement and continuing to reduce crime. As a cancer survivor, I'm passionate about expanding access to screenings and treatments. We launched a major cancer research funding initiative this year, and I'd continue that work to make Florida a leader in conquering this disease. I'd also tackle the opioid crisis through prevention and recovery programs.

Protecting Freedom: I share the belief that Florida should be where individual liberties are respected – where parents have a say in their children's education, where businesses aren't strangled by mandates, and where free speech is protected. I'd continue policies that promote freedom while ensuring our most vulnerable citizens have the support they need.

My vision is a Florida that is strong, free, and compassionate. We can be pro-business and pro-family simultaneously. We can have a booming economy while helping those on the bottom rung climb up. My experience as a journalist, working with charities, and serving alongside the Governor has prepared me to bring people together to achieve that vision.

Casey DeSantis:

"To all Floridians listening tonight: I want you to know that my heart has always been in serving you. I got into this role not by election, but by circumstance, and I chose to make the most of it by creating programs like Hope Florida because I care deeply about our communities. Everything I've done, I've done with the intention of helping others, especially those who often fall through the cracks.

Yes, there's an investigation and sensational headlines. But I urge you to look at the facts and also at the results. We have helped thousands of people find hope and get on a better path. I believe in accountability, and I've taken steps to ensure any missteps are corrected. I believe in transparency, and that's why I've been here answering every tough question you've thrown at me. I have nothing to hide and only a desire to improve.

If there's one thing you take away, let it be this: I will never stop fighting for Florida's families. Whether I'm First Lady, a private citizen, or someday asking for your vote, that is my promise. I'll fight for the mom struggling to feed her kids, for the student who dreams of a good job, for the retiree who wants to feel safe, and for every person who calls this great state home. I won't be distracted by political noise or attacks. In fact, they only make me more determined.

Florida's best days are ahead of us. I have a vision for building on what we've achieved and fixing what hasn't worked. And I have faith that truth prevails over politics-as-usual. So thank you for listening tonight, for holding me accountable, and for giving me the chance to address your concerns. Together, I know we can continue to make Florida a place of hope, opportunity, and freedom for all who live here. God bless you, and God bless our great state."