DeSantis announces plan to boost economy by fighting for middle class against China, elites

Florida GOP Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday announced his 10-point plan that he says will boost the U.S. economy by fighting for middle-class Americans against the elites, D.C. bureaucrats and Communist China.

DeSantis, who is running for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, echoed comments he made on "Just the News, No Noise" last week when he unveiled what he calls his "Declaration of Economic Independence," during an event Monday at a manufacturing facility in the early primary state of New Hampshire.

The No. 1 pillar of his plan is "Taking Back Control of our Economy from China and Restoring our Economic Sovereignty," which DeSantis said he would accomplish by reversing trade deficits, banning members of the Chinese Communist Party and their affiliates from buying strategic U.S. assets and incentivizing U.S. companies to invest in America.

Other goals laid out in DeSantis' plan include protecting U.S. energy interests, achieving 3% economic growth by encouraging investment, and instructing the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division and related agencies to end Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs.

DeSantis additionally said he plans on opposing government bailouts and mandating work requirements for welfare programs. It is unclear what DeSantis' work requirements would entail, as SNAP recipients are already required to work 80 hours a month or participate in a work-training program.

"My promise is that I will always fight for our citizens, our families, our future, and our way of life – and I will never back down," DeSantis said in an announcement about the plan, which comes as he lags behind former President Donald Trump in Republican primary polls.

"We will take back control of our destiny — and ensure that our future is as proud, independent, and free as our past," he also said, echoing Trump's "Make America Great Again" slogan by invoking historical U.S. greatness. 

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