Trump allies accuse DeSantis of violating campaign finance laws

Associates of former President Donald Trump filed an ethics complaint this week against Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis accusing him of violating campaign finance laws.

MAGA Inc., a Trump-aligned super PAC, on Wednesday filed the complaint with the Florida Commission on Ethics, asserting that the prospective Trump rival was has received illegal gifts via third-party entities.

"This letter provides ample evidence to support a finding of probable cause by the Florida Commission on Ethics... that Governor DeSantis, in concert with certain associated political committees, political consultants, and a 501(c)(4) organization, has solicited and received millions of dollars' worth of illegal gifts in violation of Florida State ethics laws and the Florida Constitution," the complaint alleges.

DeSantis has not announced a presidential campaign but polling has suggested he would present the most formidable challenge to the former president for the Republican nomination should he choose to run. The MAGA Inc. complaint describes the Florida governor as a "de facto candidate."

"Governor DeSantis's failure to declare his candidacy is no mere oversight," the complaint continues, "it is a coordinated effort specifically designed for him to accept, as unethical gifts, illegal campaign contributions and certain personal benefits that are necessarily intended to influence his official decision to resign from office under Florida's resign to run law."

DeSantis decisively won reelection in 2022. Should he opt to seek the presidency in 2024, he would be required by state law to leave office less than halfway into his second term.

MAGA Inc. further points to high-profile actions the governor has taken that it says betray his intent to seek the presidency. Among them are his recent visit to Iowa, his launch of a book tour, and his allies' interviewing prospective campaign staffers.

To date, only Trump, former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, tech mogul Vivek Ramaswamy, and businessman Perry Johnson have announced their intent to seek the Republican nomination.

Ben Whedon is an editor and reporter for Just the News. Follow him on Twitter.