DeSantis Fires Dozen Staffers As Campaign Hemorrhages Cash

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-Florida) has fired nearly a dozen mid-level staffers from his presidential campaign as it hemorrhages cash.

Political analysts have criticized DeSantis for bringing on too many employees. The Florida governor is known for frequently switching out staffers – he has had three different campaign teams for each of his three runs for Congress.

The DeSantis campaign recorded 92 people on the payroll at one point during the first fundraising period, more than any other Republican candidate thus far. Donald Trump’s 20-point lead over DeSantis in his own home state of Florida, combined with President Joe Biden’s substantial fundraising success, has sparked DeSantis to make some changes within his own campaign.

“Americans are rallying behind Ron DeSantis and his plan to reverse Joe Biden’s failures and restore sanity to our nation, and his momentum will only continue as voters see more of him in-person, especially in Iowa,” said campaign manager Andrew Romeo in a statement. “Defeating Joe Biden and the $72 million behind him will require a nimble candidate-driven campaign, and we are building a movement to go the distance.”

The campaign will attempt to double down on the early states, primarily Iowa, which have the power to narrow the gap between DeSantis and Trump in the beginning stages of the election. Many political experts believe a loss for DeSantis in Iowa would end his viability in the election.

The launch of DeSantis’ campaign did not go as planned. He and his team have been criticized for mistakes they have made over the past few months, such as releasing a homophobic advertisement that was condemned by both Democratic and Republican officials and donors.

DeSantis, however, blames his unpopularity on media coverage and M.A.G.A. Republicans, who have remained unwavering in their support for Trump.