Ron DeSantis has proposed a crackdown on state referendums. It could complicate Donald Trump’s Florida casino dreams
CNN
A push by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis to crack down on ballot initiatives could have unforeseen consequences for the business interests of his state’s most prominent resident: President Donald Trump.
A push by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis to crack down on ballot initiatives could have unforeseen consequences for the business interests of his state’s most prominent resident: President Donald Trump. DeSantis, a Republican, has proposed a sweeping overhaul of citizen-led amendments to the state constitution — including new restrictions that opponents say would render it nearly impossible for Floridians to force a change in state law through ballot referendums. If realized, it could complicate Trump’s long-held ambition to establish a casino in the Miami area. That’s because Florida’s constitution says any expansion of gambling requires voter approval through a constitutional amendment initiated by citizens. The potential impact on Trump’s business empire adds an unexpected wrinkle to the governor’s latest effort to consolidate political power in Florida. And it’s another twist to the winding and at times strained relationship between DeSantis and Trump as they coexist in their shared backyard. It’s unclear whether DeSantis is aware of the fallout for Trump if his plan succeeds. A spokesman for the governor’s office declined to comment, instead pointing to DeSantis’ public statements on his proposals, which do not address their implications for gambling. While DeSantis and Trump were not on speaking terms for a time after their bitter 2024 Republican presidential primary, they have since made peace. DeSantis earlier this month attended an event that Trump hosted for Republican governors at his Mar-a-Lago estate, and the two recently played golf. Changes to Florida laws could come rapidly. DeSantis has called state lawmakers into a special session starting Monday and is pressuring them to move quickly on his plan — one that impedes an avenue voters have used over the years to circumvent Republican control of Tallahassee and enact popular measures.
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