| | | | |  | | By Gary Fineout | | | Hello and welcome to Friday. We Will Rock You — Whatever happens next is sure to have a seismic shock on the political fortunes of not one, but two Florida men. Under Pressure — The indictment of former President Donald Trump was not unexpected, but it still hit hard and fast on Thursday. The ramifications are wide-ranging, from its long-term impact on the American experiment to the near-term fallout on the 2024 presidential race. Play The Game — And while Trump is in legal jeopardy (although the full details are unknown), the initial signs are that most Republicans are rallying to his side, including Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, even though he is still expected to challenge Trump for the GOP nomination. “Every Republican is going to be outraged at this political persecution that is unprecedented,” said State Sen. Joe Gruters, a former chair of the Republican Party of Florida and longtime Trump ally. Now I’m Here — When Trump initially predicted he was going to be arrested, DeSantis did not immediately respond. This time his team reacted quickly. The governor put out a lengthy statement on social media where he ripped into Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg and called the indictment “un-American” and the “weaponization of the legal system.” DeSantis also added that “Florida will not assist in an extradition request given the questionable circumstances at issue with this Soros-backed Manhattan prosecutor and his political agenda.” Keep Yourself Alive — It’s important to note that right now there’s no reason for Florida to play a role since Trump plans to surrender himself to New York authorities. But are DeSantis’ comments a reversal or change from what he previously stated? It seems like it may depend on a person’s worldview. Last week, DeSantis was hammered by Trump allies after he said Florida would not get involved in the process “in any way.” He also said that “I don’t know what goes into paying hush money to a porn star to secure silence,” a remark that was seen as throwing shade at the president. You’re My Best Friend — Some of those in DeSantis’ orbit insisted the governor’s remarks were not a turnabout and that participating or assisting in the extradition were the same thing. Rep. Matt Gaetz, who was once close to DeSantis but is a firm supporter of Trump, called the new comments a “terrific change of heart.” Don’t Stop Me Now — As all this plays out, the question is how this affects DeSantis’ timeline for jumping into the race and whether this gives Trump a huge political and/or fundraising boost. History in action. — WHERE'S RON? — Gov. DeSantis has book tour stops in Port Richey and Tampa. He’s also scheduled to appear at the Hillsborough County Republican Party Lincoln Day Dinner in Riverview. Have a tip, story, suggestion, birthday, anniversary, new job, or any other nugget for Playbook? Get in touch: gfineout@politico.com
| | A message from Alibaba: Florida businesses, like DS Laboratories, are among thousands of American companies that sell products to over one billion consumers in China on Alibaba’s e-commerce platforms. Last year, sales of U.S. products to Chinese consumers on Alibaba added $1.7 billion to Florida’s GDP and supported 15,000 jobs and $936 million in wages for local workers. Learn about Alibaba’s positive impact on the U.S. economy. | | | |  | TRUMPLANDIA AND THE SWAMP | | HERE IT COMES — ‘O.J. Simpson on steroids’: Team Trump preps for a post-indictment frenzy, by POLITICO’s Alex Isenstadt and Meridith McGraw: For most people, getting indicted is a setback. From Donald Trump’s team, it’s viewed as an opportunity. Aides to the former president moved aggressively on Thursday to capitalize politically on news that a Manhattan grand jury had charged Trump — using it to fill their fundraising coffers, mobilize loyalists and further solidify his hold on his base of supporters in the GOP presidential primary. — “At Mar-a-Lago, Trump’s camp is caught off guard,” by The New York Times’ Maggie Haberman RESPONSE — DeSantis calls Trump indictment ‘un-American’ and says he won’t assist in extradition, by POLITICO’s Gary Fineout: Gov. Ron DeSantis on Thursday blasted the indictment of Donald Trump and vowed that the state “will not assist in the extradition” even though reports suggest the former president plans to surrender voluntarily to New York authorities. DeSantis, who is expected to challenge Trump for the Republican 2024 presidential nomination later this year, previously said he wouldn’t get involved in Trump’s indictment “in any way” but was roundly condemned by the former president and his supporters, who accused him of being disloyal. |  Trang Le of Orlando, right, and Maria Korynsel of North Palm Beach show their support for former President Donald Trump after the news broke that Trump has been indicted by a Manhattan grand jury on March 30, 2023, near Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Fla. | AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell | — The same forces that made Trump who he is just got him indicted, by POLITICO’s Jonathan Lemire — Manhattan D.A.’s wanted a Friday Trump arrest. Trump’s team said no, by POLITICO’s Erica Orden — “A President faces prosecution, and a democracy is tested,” by The New York Times’ Peter Baker MEANWHILE — Trump’s PAC drops a $1.3M ad attack on DeSantis before he enters the race, by POLITICO’s Steven Shepard: A super PAC aligned with former President Donald Trump is launching early, national attack ads hitting Ron DeSantis over the Florida governor’s past support for cuts to Social Security and Medicare. “Think you know Ron DeSantis? Think again,” a narrator says at the start of the ad, which the super PAC posted on Twitter Thursday afternoon. “In Congress, DeSantis voted three separate times to cut Social Security.” — Trump’s standing among Hill conservatives dims ahead of ’24, by POLITICO’s Olivia Beavers and Burgess Everett — The same forces that made Trump who he is just got him indicted, by POLITICO’s Jonathan Lemire — Manhattan D.A.’s wanted a Friday Trump arrest. Trump’s team said no, by POLITICO’s Erica Orden — “A President faces prosecution, and a democracy is tested,” by The New York Times’ Peter Baker
| | | | JOIN POLITICO ON 4/5 FOR THE 2023 RECAST POWER LIST: America’s demographics and power dynamics are changing — and POLITICO is recasting how it covers the intersection of race, identity, politics and policy. Join us for a conversation on the themes of the 2023 Recast Power List that will examine America’s decision-making tables, who gets to sit at them, and the challenges that still need to be addressed. REGISTER HERE. | | | | | | | | ON THE LIST — POLITICO and The Recast newsletter just published a Power List naming the 40 most influential people on culture, race and politics. There are Republicans and Democrats whose 2022 victories helped their party secure footholds in key battlegrounds. There are advocates driving major court cases — or shaping the public's reaction to them. There are celebrities who used their platform to challenge government. Plus so many more.
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| The Power List spans party affiliations, racial identities and ideologies. Some might ask how we can include Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis in the same list as Vice President Kamala Harris. Our answer? Whether you love them or hate them, their impact over the last year cannot be denied. Read through the full project online here. The Florida connection — Gov. Ron DeSantis, Rep. Maxwell Frost and Rep. Anna Paulina Luna are on this year’s list. | 
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| | DESANTISLAND | | MOUSE TRAP — “Disney outmaneuvered DeSantis’ new governing board, but a legal fight is brewing,” by Miami Herald’s Mary Ellen Klas: “The governor’s office is now arguing that the agreements “may have significant legal infirmities that would render the contracts void” and plans to ask a court to intervene. At a book signing in suburban Atlanta on Thursday, [Gov. Ron] DeSantis declared: ‘There’s a lot of back and forth going on now but rest assured, you ain’t seen nothing yet. There’s more to come in that regard.’ However, legal scholars said Thursday, Disney may have the advantage.” — “Untangling DeSantis-Disney legal dispute could take years,” by Orlando Sentinel’s Skyler Swisher — “Disney’s move may rob Ron DeSantis of 2024 calling card,” by Washington Post’s Aaron Blake — “Attorney General’s office wants records over Disney-Reedy creek deal,” by Florida Politics’ Gabrielle Russon BEHIND THE CURTAIN — “Email shows far right voting fraud conspiracy group worked with a top DeSantis aide,” by Sarasota Herald-Tribune’s Zac Anderson: “Yet [Gov. Ron] DeSantis' office seems to have taken Defend Florida seriously and worked with their volunteers. Last week the governor's office released more than 900 pages of emails to and from Stephanie Kopelousos, DeSantis' director of legislative affairs. Kopelousos is responsible for steering DeSantis' agenda through the Legislature. The emails are from March of last year, covering the last few days of the 2022 legislative session and shortly after the session.” — “‘Beyond the pale’: Dems go after DeSantis for visiting gun store after Nashville shooting,” by ABC News’ Hannah Demissie and Mariam Khan — “As DeSantis heads to Georgia, his super PAC allies release a poll showing strength there,” by NBC News’ Henry J. Gomez — “DeSantis’ war on ‘woke’ may not play well in important swing states,” by Orlando Sentinel’s Steven Lemongello — “Prosecutor fired by Ron DeSantis hits GOP attacks on the Manhattan DA: ‘Part of the authoritarian playbook,’” by NBC News’ Adam Edelman
| | | | A message from Alibaba:   | | | | | ... DATELINE TALLAHASSEE ... | | SOON TO BECOME LAW — Florida lawmakers hand DeSantis political win on guns, by POLITICO’s Gary Fineout: The Republican-controlled Florida Legislature on Thursday voted to let gun owners in the nation’s third most populous state carry guns without a state permit, delivering on a campaign promise by Gov. Ron DeSantis as he ramps up his expected run for president.DeSantis, who was promoting his new book at a Georgia sporting goods store that bills itself as the world’s largest gun store, vowed to act quickly on the legislation. “You don’t need a permission slip from the government to be able to exercise your constitutional rights,” DeSantis told an audience at the store. ‘POTTY POLICE’ — Florida proposal targets transgender bathroom use, by POLITICO’s Andrew Atterbury: Named the “Safety in Private Spaces Act,” lawmakers in the House and Senate introduced similar bills that require that people use restrooms and changing facilities according to their sex assigned at birth at places like schools and restaurants. Legislators state in the proposal that the aim is to maintain “public safety, decency, and decorum.” Democrats and LGBTQ advocates oppose the idea, claiming it could spur vigilante “potty police” who feel empowered to harass transgender and queer people in facilities across the state. MOVING ON — “Florida death penalty requirement could soon be 8 out of 12 jury votes,” by Tampa Bay Times’ Romy Ellenbogen: “Florida’s threshold for the death penalty could soon be the lowest in the nation, with the Florida Senate on Thursday passing a priority bill of Gov. Ron DeSantis to require the vote of only eight jurors out of 12 in order to implement capital punishment. Unlike the earliest provisions of the bill, the legislation passed by the Florida Senate does not allow a judge to override a jury’s recommendation for a life sentence and give death instead.” — “Florida Senate sets strict ‘heartbeat’ abortion law for vote after rolling over opposition,” by USA Today Network-Florida’s John Kennedy — “Florida just became the nation’s biggest school choice laboratory,” by The 74’s Kevin Mahnken — “Bill allowing governor to control athletic association moves to Senate floor,” by Florida Politics’ Anne Geggis | | CAMPAIGN MODE | | FRIED MAKES CHANGES AT PARTY — Nikki Fried, chair for the Florida Democratic Party, is making some changes among the party's senior staff. Marcus Dixon, who had been executive director under previous chair Manny Diaz, is transitioning to the job of senior adviser. Devon Cruz, who was previously press secretary for Val Demings’ Senate campaign, is now rapid response director, while Amber Gantt is now deputy communications director. Gantt previously worked as deputy press secretary for Cheri Beasley for U.S. Senate. Abigayil Yisrael has rejoined the party as deputy transition director. Yisrael has previously worked for the Democratic Party of Georgia as well as for the Demings campaign and Fried’s campaign for governor. The party is currently conducting searches for several positions including executive director, finance director and communications director.
| | | | GO INSIDE THE 2023 MILKEN INSTITUTE GLOBAL CONFERENCE: POLITICO is proud to partner with the Milken Institute to produce a special edition "Global Insider" newsletter featuring exclusive coverage, insider nuggets and unparalleled insights from the 2023 Global Conference, which will convene leaders in health, finance, politics, philanthropy and entertainment from April 30-May 3. This year’s theme, Advancing a Thriving World, will challenge and inspire attendees to lean into building an optimistic coalition capable of tackling the issues and inequities we collectively face. Don’t miss a thing — subscribe today for a front row seat. | | | | | | | DATELINE D.C. | | FOLLOWING FLA LEAD — “Rick Scott wants to take $80B from IRS to fund armed officers in schools after Nashville,” by Fox News’ Elizabeth Elkind: “Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., is urging Congress to reroute the billions of dollars earmarked for the Internal Revenue Service in Democrats’ Inflation Reduction Act into money to hire armed officers for academic campuses across the country, in the wake of a mass shooting at a Nashville elementary school earlier this week. ‘The tragedy in Nashville made clear that more must be done to keep our schools safe,’ Scott said Thursday. ‘Washington spends money on all sorts of wasteful ideas and the massive expansion of the IRS is a prime example of that.’” | | PENINSULA AND BEYOND | | WATCH THIS SPACE — “Florida grand jury focused on unaccompanied migrant children, blasts feds in new report,” by Miami Herald’s Carol Marbin Miller: “In a stunning report that may spark new hostilities between the Biden administration and Gov. Ron DeSantis, Florida’s statewide prosecutor Thursday explicitly accused federal immigration authorities of ‘human trafficking’ in their oversight of unaccompanied migrant children in the state. The Statewide Prosecutors’ Office released an acerbic, 46-page grand jury report that denounces the federal Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR), for leaving vulnerable migrant children with unvetted caregivers, or ‘sponsors’ — and then abdicating all oversight of their welfare.” — “Broward sheriff signs 911 deal with county on eve of contract extension deadline,” by South Florida Sun-Sentinel’s Lisa J. Huriash — “Fiona, Ian retired from list of tropical cyclone names,” by The Associated Press — “Why 900,000 in Florida are about to lose Medicaid,” by Tampa Bay Times’ Christopher O’Donnell — “Hillsdale cuts ties with Tallahassee Classical, revokes curriculum license after art outcry,” by Tallahassee Democrat’s Ana Goñi-Lessan
| | A message from Alibaba: Alibaba helps American businesses succeed globally. In 2022, $66 billion worth of U.S. products were sold on Alibaba’s e-commerce platforms, a nearly 10% increase over 2021. From household names to emerging small businesses, thousands of American companies sell products to over one billion consumers in China on Alibaba.
Read how American businesses are succeeding with Alibaba. | | | | | ODDS, ENDS AND FLORIDA MEN | | — “52 years after capture, orca Lolita may return to Pacific,” by The Associated Press’ Freida Frisaro and Gene Johnson: “More than 50 years after the orca known as Lolita was captured for public display, plans are in place to return her from the Miami Seaquarium to her home waters in the Pacific Northwest, where a nearly century-old, endangered killer whale believed to be her mother still swims. An unlikely coalition involving the theme park’s owner, an animal rights group and an NFL owner-philanthropist announded the agreement during a news conference Thursday. ‘I’m excited to be a part of Lolita’s journey to freedom,’ Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay said. ‘I know Lolita wants to get to free waters.’” BIRTHDAYS: State Rep. Dana Trabulsy … (Saturday) Former Rep. Peter Deutsch … (Sunday) Gary Yordon, president of The Zachary Group and host of "The Usual Suspects" | | | | Follow us on Twitter | | | | Subscribe to the POLITICO Playbook family Playbook | Playbook PM | California Playbook | Florida Playbook | Illinois Playbook | Massachusetts Playbook | New Jersey Playbook | New York Playbook | Ottawa Playbook | Brussels Playbook | London Playbook View all our political and policy newsletters | | Follow us | | | | |
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