Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis took aim at members of his own party during a recent interview, blaming “crony capitalist” policies for making socialism appear more appealing to younger voters. The Republican governor argued that corporate favoritism undermines free-market principles and weakens the GOP’s ability to counter progressive economic ideas.
‘Screaming Socialism Didn’t Work’
Speaking on the Sage Steele Show, DeSantis acknowledged that anti-socialist messaging failed to resonate in the midterms, particularly with younger demographics. “Young people have a very positive view of socialism compared to capitalism,” he said, attributing this shift partly to education but primarily to disillusionment with government-backed corporate advantages.
GOP’s Cronyism Problem
DeSantis singled out “corporatist Republicans” who push policies benefiting specific industries, calling them “the best kind of indirect supporters of socialism.” He criticized scenarios where lawmakers “bend the government to funnel benefits” to favored companies, creating a distorted version of free enterprise that alienates voters.
The governor specifically mentioned recent Republican efforts to shield big tech from regulation, warning such moves reinforce perceptions of an uneven playing field. When young voters see “just a handful of companies” dominating the economy with government assistance, DeSantis argued, socialist alternatives gain credibility by comparison.
Free Markets vs. Socialism
DeSantis maintained that genuine free enterprise would lift living standards and benefit small businesses, but current cronyist practices obscure this potential. Without a clear contrast between economic freedom and government control, he cautioned, more Americans may opt for socialist policies that at least promise to act “on behalf of people.”
Source: www.breitbart.com โ https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2026/11/07/ron-desantis-calls-out-republicans-over-crony-capitalism/