| | | | |  | | By Gary Fineout | Presented by CVS Health | Hello and welcome to a Tuesday that what will be a historic moment for the country and a Florida man. Situational awareness — Florida Democratic Party chair Nikki Fried and State Sen. Lauren Book were among 11 people handcuffed and arrested on Monday night outside of Tallahassee City Hall for taking part in a protest against a proposed ban on abortions after six weeks. Coming attractions — The courtroom drama and media spectacle over the first ever charges filed against a former president will play out this morning in Manhattan — although there will be no electronics and no video from the courtroom according to an order from the judge in the case issued on Monday night. (It would have much different in a Florida courtroom.) Palm Beach Story — But then the story will shift to Mar-a-Lago this evening where former President Donald Trump is scheduled to give remarks on the unprecedented case. Trump’s movements during the day on Monday were followed by blow-by-blow by the media and will likely be repeated on Tuesday with a barrage of coverage. Fallout — The reverberations are still to be determined and whether any of this changes the dynamic of the presidential race or alters the mindset of likely presidential candidate Gov. Ron DeSantis (even though all the signs right now are that it has not altered the continued trajectory toward a campaign.) But for now the world is watching. — WHERE'S RON? — Nothing official for Gov. DeSantis. Have a tip, story, suggestion, birthday, anniversary, new job, or any other nugget for Playbook? Get in touch: gfineout@politico.com
| | A message from CVS Health: CVS Health: from the simplest of needs to more complex care. Learn more. | | | |  | TRUMPLANDIA AND THE SWAMP | | N.Y. STATE OF MIND — “Trump in New York to face criminal charges after hush-money probe,” by Washington Post’s Rosalind S. Helderman, Carol D. Leonnig, John Wagner and Josh Dawsey: “[Former President Donald] Trump, the first sitting or former U.S. president to be indicted, traveled via motorcade from Mar-a-Lago, his Florida estate, to an airport in West Palm Beach, flew to New York on a Trump jet and then headed to Trump Tower on Fifth Avenue, entering the building from a side street in the late afternoon. His movements were tracked moment by moment by news helicopters, providing an early taste of the media circus expected during the 24 hours or so that Trump will probably spend in New York, as he surrenders to authorities and faces a judge in a criminal proceeding for the first time.”
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Former President Donald Trump arrives at Trump Tower in New York, Monday, April 3. | Bryan Woolston/AP Photo | SEEN THE FILM BEFORE? — Trump’s scandal-plagued ’24 run is sparking Dem anxiety of a ’16 redux, by POLITICO’s Jonathan Lemire and Holly Otterbein: These should be celebratory times for Democrats. But as Donald Trump is set to get booked on Tuesday over a hush money payment he made to a porn star, a chunk of the party is growing anxious. An uneasy déjà vu has set in. Last time people were rooting for Donald Trump, he ended up president of the United States,” said Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif). “We’ve seen this story before.” — “Trump gets send-off from cheering supporters before flying from South Florida to New York to face criminal charges,” by South Florida Sun-Sentinel’s Anthony Man and Scott Travis — He already rocked MAGA world – twice. Now he’s Trump’s judge, by POLITICO’s Julia Marsh — “Poll: Trump indictment divides U.S., gives boost over DeSantis ahead of New York arraignment,” by Palm Beach Post’s Antonio Fins — “Susie Wiles memo brags about Donald Trump’s ‘largest ever lead over Ron DeSantis,’” by Florida Politics’ A.G. Gancarski — “Trump’s online war machine trains its weapons on Ron DeSantis,” by NBC News’ Jonathan Allen and Vaughn Hillyard
| | | | 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. | | | | | | | DESANTISLAND | | FLORIDA VOTERS BACK DESANTIS — A new poll shows that Gov. Ron DeSantis remains at the top in his home state of Florida. DeSantis’ is far more popular in the Sunshine State than either former President Donald Trump or President Joe Biden according to the poll released this morning by Mason-Dixon Polling & Strategic Consulting. 59 percent of those polled approved of the job DeSantis is doing as governor – which is four points higher than it was just before the 2022 election although it’s not as high as it was in 2019. When asked DeSantis 53 percent had a favorable opinion of the likely presidential candidate compared to 39 percent for Trump and 33 percent for Biden. Biden’s numbers were especially bad as 60 percent of those surveyed disapproved of the job that the president was doing. And in a head-to-head matchup DeSantis has a 44 percent to 39 percent lead over Trump among Republican primary voters. DeSantis also had a higher favorable rating among GOP voters than Trump. The poll of 625 Florida voters was taken the last week of March and has a margin of error of plus/minus 4 percentage points for the main questions and a MOE of 4.4 percent for the Republican voters who were questioned. MOUSE TRAP — DeSantis wants state investigation into Disney power play, by POLITICO’s Andrew Atterbury: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, apparently outflanked by Disney in a tug-of-war over the control over the thousands of acres that’s home to the Magic Kingdom and other theme parks, is now ordering an investigation into how the dynamic shift happened. The Republican governor on Monday requested a “thorough review and investigation” by state officials into an agreement reached earlier this year by the outgoing Walt Disney Co. board aiming to stymie Florida’s efforts to grab greater authority over the entertainment giant’s special land district near Orlando. MOUSE TRAP PART 2 — “Disney CEO Iger calls DeSantis’s moves antibusiness, anti-Florida,” by Wall Street Journal’s Robert Whelan and Arian Campo-Flores: “Walt Disney Co. Chief Executive Robert Iger called Florida’s actions against Disney over the past year ‘antibusiness’ and ‘anti-Florida’ in his first in-depth comments about the company’s ongoing battle with Gov. Ron DeSantis. ‘While the company may have not handled the position that it took very well, a company has the right to freedom of speech just like individuals do,’ Mr. Iger said at Disney’s annual meeting of shareholders, in response to a question about the dispute.”
| | | | 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. | | | | | — “DeSantis and Disney clash anew over Florida theme park’s authority,” by New York Times’ Brooks Barnes SLIPPING AWAY — “Right-wing media splits from DeSantis on press protections,” by New York Times’ Ken Bensinger: “While public opposition has largely come from left-leaning and nonpartisan free-speech groups, forces traditionally aligned with [Gov. Ron] DeSantis have in recent weeks begun raising alarm. They are warning that the governor and his G.O.P. allies did not take into account how the bills would affect right-wing reporters and commentators, not just the mainstream outlets that have become punching bags for Republican politicians.” — Former DeSantis aide jumps into Virginia Senate race, by POLITICO’s Nancy Vu
| | ... DATELINE TALLAHASSEE ... | | FRIED, BOOK ARRESTED — Eleven protesters sitting on the sidewalk outside of Tallahassee City Hall — including Florida Democratic Party chair Nikki Fried and State Sen. Lauren Book — were handcuffed and arrested on Monday evening by Tallahassee police. The group was protesting a ban on abortions after six weeks that is now moving through the Legislature. Police warned protesters that they were not allowed to be in the area just front of City Hall — which has been deemed a park in the last few days by city officials — and that had been barricaded off from the rest of the wide sidewalk that wraps around the building. Shortly after sunset a contingent of police came and removed those behind the barricade. “After multiple warnings throughout the day, protestors acknowledged they understood that anyone refusing to leave the premises at sundown would be subject to arrest,” Tallahassee police said in a statement. Video and photos of the encounter created a widespread reaction with supporters condemning the arrests and Republicans criticizing the actions. Republican Party of Florida chair Christian Ziegler called the arrest a “stunt.” Fried and Book and the other protesters were charged with a misdemeanor trespassing charge and released on their own recognizance, according to Sen. Jason Pizzo who went to the county jail following the arrests. They were let out around midnight. Fried posted a tweet shortly after her release that said “I’m out. And not ever backing down. Just f------ vote @FlaDems.” — “OccupyTally sought a protest permit and got a no campaign sign at City Hall instead,” by Tallahassee Democrat’s James Call HALFWAY TO PASSAGE — Florida Senate approves 6-week abortion ban as two Republicans vote ‘no,’ by POLITICO’s Arek Sarkissian: The Florida Senate on Monday approved a proposed ban on abortion after six weeks of pregnancy, with two Republicans opposing the bill amid outbursts from protesters. The bill, S.B. 300, would ban most abortions after six weeks of pregnancy, with exceptions for women facing life-threatening harm during pregnancy, and exemptions of up to 15 weeks for victims of rape, incest and human trafficking. There’s also $30 million for the Florida Department of Health to expand programs that support contraception, parenting and pregnancies. IN THE BOOKS — DeSantis signs Florida gun bill as activists demand more, by POLITICO’s Gary Fineout: Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday signed a measure that will allow Florida residents to carry guns without a state permit — but falls short of what some gun-rights activists sought. DeSantis signed the legislation behind closed doors in the governor’s office, with news of the bill signing being released first to Fox News. He had pledged during an appearance last week at a Georgia gun store that he would act quickly on the proposal, which passed the Florida Legislature on Thursday.
| | | |   | | | — “White House calls DeSantis ‘shameful’ for signing Fla. permitless gun-carry bill,” by Washington Post’s Amy B. Wang and Mariana Alfaro — “3 apply for Florida Supreme Court seat, including Hillsborough judge and Tampa attorney,” by News Service of Florida — “Florida has spent $1.5 million developing smartphone ID apps that hardly anyone is using,” by South Florida Sun-Sentinel’s Ron Hurtibise — “Can kids see Mrs. Doubtfire? How DeSantis’ anti-drag war is affecting the performing arts,” by Miami Herald’s Amanda Rosa
| | CAMPAIGN MODE | | HERE WE GO AGAIN — Florida Republicans poised to make more changes to election laws, by POLITICO’s Gary Fineout: Senate Republicans released a 98-page comprehensive elections bill that includes a provision designed to undercut legal arguments that were made by those who were charged as part of a crackdown on voter fraud announced last August by Gov. Ron DeSantis. The lengthy bill also changes campaign finance deadlines, speeds up when local officials must scrub voter rolls for dead and ineligible voters and increases fines on voter registration groups if they break the law. Reaction — The DeSantis administration last year highlighted the arrest of nearly two-dozen people for voting illegally because they had prior convictions for murder or sex offenses. But some of those arrested said they thought they were eligible because they had been issued a voter ID card. … The proposed bill (S.B. 7050) would now require a disclaimer to be placed on the card that says it is “not legal verification of the eligibility to vote.” Desmond Meade, executive director and president of the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition, called the proposal “a rush job” and a “legislative cover up to fix a flaw.” — “Anthony Sabatini challenging Dan Webster in CD 11,” by Florida Politics’ Jacob Ogles — “Seminole’s election chief to seek reelection after all,” by Orlando Sentinel’s Martin E. Comas
| | ...HURRICANE HOLE... | | DEVASTATING — “NOAA: Ian was Cat 5 before weakening at Florida landfall,” by Associated Press’ Curt Anderson: Hurricane Ian briefly reached maximum Category 5 status before weakening to a Category 4 storm as it blasted ashore last September in southwest Florida, eventually causing over $112 billion in damage in the U.S. and more than 150 deaths directly or indirectly, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reported Monday. The report, which NOAA releases for all major tropical storms, also says Ian was the costliest hurricane in Florida history and the third-costliest ever in the U.S. as a whole.
| | PENINSULA AND BEYOND | | BLASTING OFF — “NASA announces 4 astronauts flying to the moon on Artemis II,” by Orlando Sentinel’s Richard Tribou: “Humans haven’t traveled beyond low-Earth orbit in more than 50 years, but that’s set to change with the launch of the Artemis II mission to orbit the moon next year. Just who will be flying was revealed Monday. NASA and the Canadian Space Agency announced the four crew members that will climb aboard the Orion spacecraft to be launched atop the Space Launch System rocket from Kennedy Space Center as early as November 2024. Commanding the mission will be Reid Wiseman, the former head of NASA’s astronaut office who stepped down to be eligible to fly on missions again.” — “Scientologists to rule on abuse claims against their church, judge says,” by Tampa Bay Times’ Tracey McManus — “Seaweed mass expands, reaches record tonnage. Messy Florida beaches ‘inevitable,’” by Miami Herald’s Nicolas Rivero — “FSU bans TikTok, other apps from campus after statewide regulation from Board of Governors,” by Tallahassee Democrat’s Tarah Jean
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Learn more. | | | | | ODDS, ENDS AND FLORIDA MEN | | — “Traffic on I-75 was a ‘standstill’ because of an escaped cow. Why?” by Tampa Bay Times’ Matt Cohen: “Drivers in Hillsborough County may have had some beef with their Interstate 75 commute Monday afternoon. Why? Well, a cow wandered out onto the road. Around noon, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office tweeted that a cow had escaped from a farm and ended up onthe on-ramp and off-ramp for northbound I-75 at the Big Bend Road exit. The Sheriff’s Office closed the ramps for a couple of hours and warned motorists in a tweet that traffic was at a “standstill” on I-75 — which likely put commuters in a frustrated moooood.” BIRTHDAYS: Former Florida first lady Adele Graham … David DeCamp, director of corporate communications at Crowley | | | | 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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