Donald Trump praised Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) for calling for a special state legislative session to implement the president-elect's immigration policies.
“Thank you Ron. I hope other governors follow suit!” President Trump posted on Truth Social on Tuesday.
The president-elect was responding to a proclamation posted on X by DeSantis calling for a special session of Congress on January 27th.
“Florida state and local officials must assist the Trump administration in enforcing our immigration laws,” DeSantis told reporters Monday. “To do that effectively, we will need legislation that imposes additional duties on local officials and provides funding for local officials, as well as measures to hold accountable those who violate anti-sanctuary policies.” “Florida must ensure that there is no incentive for people to enter the state illegally.”
The exchange between the two leaders is another sign that the working relationship between Mr. Trump and Mr. DeSantis continues to mend after the two went head-to-head in the Republican presidential primary.
However, the governor quickly faced pushback from Republican leaders in the state Legislature who called his move “premature.”
“Florida's Constitution requires the governor to attend special sessions unilaterally called,” said Florida Senate President Ben Albritton (R) and state House Speaker Daniel Perez (R). Ta. “But the speaker also has the power to call a special session. As the people's elected representatives, the Legislature, not the governor, decides when and what bills are considered.”
DeSantis responded to the criticism in a post on It needs to be approved.”
“As part of the special session I called on January 27, the week after President Trump was inaugurated, I asked Congress to provide support for detention, relocation, transportation infrastructure, support for local law enforcement, and other needs Florida needs. We're asking you to properly fund this mission.”
