Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has become a controversial figure among some conservatives, as he balances his vocal commitment to freedom with actions that some see as a heavy-handed use of government power.
His efforts to combat "wokeness" and win over conservative supporters ahead of a potential 2024 presidential campaign have drawn criticism from GOP donors, influential voices, and even some within his base. As a result, many potential contenders for the Republican nomination are emphasizing their own approaches, which they argue are less top-down and more in line with the party's principles.