Biden and Florida Governor Clash Over Pandemic Responsibility Debate

U.S. President Joe Biden (right) and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (Photo by AP News)

[Asia Economy Reporter Yujin Cho] In Florida, known as the 'Little Trump' for opposing the U.S. federal government's strengthened quarantine guidelines, the governor pushed back against President Joe Biden, blaming him for the failure in pandemic control and declaring that he will "stand in the way" of federal measures.

This was a direct response to President Biden's earlier remark targeting the Florida governor amid concerns over the state's surge in COVID-19 cases, saying, "If you are not going to help (with the quarantine), at least don't interfere."

On the 4th (local time), Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said at an event held in Panama City, "I will stand in the way of federal quarantine guidelines that could deprive Florida residents of their right to choose."

He claimed, "Biden only points to Florida's COVID-19 situation, but he himself is the one who opened the southern border wide, allowing the virus to enter."

He added, "Biden is bringing hundreds of immigrants into the U.S. every month, some of whom carry variant viruses."

Governor DeSantis also opposed the vaccine mandates and mask-wearing requirements recommended by President Biden. He argued, "In Florida, whether students wear masks is decided by parents, not the government," and stated, "We must choose whether to be a free country or a police state."

He continued, "Even if vaccines exist, they cannot be forced upon people," and insisted, "Vaccination should be entirely left to individual choice."

The White House COVID-19 Response Team said on the 2nd that one out of three new infections last week occurred in Florida and Texas.

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki tweeted on the 4th, "23% of all new COVID hospitalizations in the U.S. are happening in Florida," and added, "We are doing our best to help Florida residents. We hope Governor DeSantis will join this fight as well."