DeSantis Accuses Heckler of Taking Soros Money at Sept. 1 Florida GOP Forum
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Sep 2
DeSantis Accuses Heckler of Taking Soros Money at Sept. 1 Florida GOP Forum
2 articles · Updated · Fox News · Sep 2
Summary
Ron DeSantis snapped back at a woman who interrupted his Tampa leadership forum speech, telling her George Soros was not paying her enough and that “this ain’t my first rodeo.”
A second disruption later in the Sept. 1 event drew another rebuke, with DeSantis saying screaming was ineffective and mocking what he described as declining quality among Soros-backed protesters.
Open Society Foundations rejected the claim, pointing to a 2025 statement saying it does not pay, train or coordinate protesters, while backing nonviolent public protest as part of civic life.
The forum was also a campaign showcase for Florida Republicans endorsed by DeSantis, including gubernatorial nominee Byron Donalds, as the term-limited governor cannot seek another consecutive term this year.