Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has intensified his criticism of former President Donald Trump following Trump’s praise for North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
The controversy arose after Trump wrote “Congratulations to Kim Jung [sic] Un!”
During his visit to Iowa to launch his 2024 presidential campaign, DeSantis spoke with Paul Steinhauser and Rich Edson of Fox News and expressed surprise at Trump’s congratulatory message to Kim regarding North Korea’s nomination to the World Health Organization’s executive board.
“I was surprised to see that.” DeSantis said.
DeSantis has been vocal about his view of Kim Jong Un as an oppressive tyrant, particularly in light of the recent sentencing of an entire family, including a baby, to a life sentence in North Korea.
He strongly criticized Kim and questioned the United States’ decision to support his membership in the WHO. Instead, DeSantis advocated for distancing from the organization and challenging mandates such as the WHO’s lockdown measures.
The appointment of Dr. Jong Min Pak, the North Korean minister of public health, to the WHO’s executive board until 2026 prompted Trump’s expressions of respect for Kim.
Moreover, Trump’s congratulatory message raised eyebrows and drew condemnation not only from DeSantis but also from former Vice President Mike Pence, who stated that it was a crucial moment for the United States to stand for freedom and support those who do the same. Pence is reportedly considering a run against Trump in the 2024 presidential race.
“Whether it’s my former running mate or anyone else, nobody should be praising the dictator in North Korea or praising the leader in Russia, who has launched an unprovoked war of aggression in Ukraine,” Pence said.
“This is a time when we ought to make it clear to the world that we stand for freedom and we stand with those who stand for freedom,” he added.
Furthermore, another potential contender in the 2024 election, Nikki Haley, joined the criticism, deeming it strange to congratulate a criminal like Kim Jong Un. Haley warned of the grave threat posed by the North Korean leader, highlighting the country’s history of endangering its international partners.
According to Haley, Kim’s treatment of people and staff members is abhorrent, and his behavior towards foreign allies is unkind. She firmly believes that he is undeserving of any praise.
“Kim Jong-un is a thug and a tyrant, and he has tested ballistic missiles against our allies,” Haley said during an interview with NBC News.
“He’s threatened us. There’s nothing to congratulate him about. I mean, he’s been terrible to his people. He’s been terrible to America, and we need to stop being nice to countries that hate America.” Haley added.
