Trump Shocks Republicans by Backing Weed Legalization

Trump Supports Cannabis Legalization in Florida, Clashing with DeSantis

Former President Donald Trump has confirmed his support for the legalization of recreational marijuana in Florida, positioning himself against the state’s governor, Ron DeSantis, and sparking a new point of tension in their already fraught relationship. Trump’s announcement came via his Truth Social platform, where he expressed his intent to vote in favor of Amendment 3, a ballot initiative that would legalize recreational marijuana use in the Sunshine State.

“I believe it’s time to end needless arrests and incarcerations of adults for small amounts of marijuana for personal use,” Trump wrote. He added, “As a Floridian, I will be voting YES on Amendment 3 this November,” signaling his support for what would be a significant shift in Florida’s drug policy. Furthermore, Trump promised that, if reelected as president, he would back similar measures across other states, suggesting a broader push for marijuana legalization nationwide.

This declaration puts Trump at odds not only with DeSantis but also with prominent Republican donors like Ken Griffin. Griffin, a billionaire hedge fund manager, has funneled around $12 million into efforts to oppose the legalization campaign, arguing that it would undermine Florida’s quality of life. DeSantis, who has taken a firm stance against the measure, has criticized it as a “license to [use marijuana] wherever you want,” warning that legalization could degrade public spaces and harm the state’s social fabric.

The upcoming vote on Amendment 3 marks another flashpoint in the evolving political landscape surrounding marijuana in the United States. If passed, the amendment would align Florida with a growing number of states that have opted to decriminalize or legalize recreational cannabis. However, opposition from key figures like DeSantis and Griffin underscores the contentious nature of the issue within conservative circles.

Tensions Resurface Between Trump and DeSantis

Trump’s endorsement of marijuana legalization brings back simmering tensions between him and DeSantis, whose rivalry dates back to their bitter contest for the Republican presidential nomination earlier this year. Although DeSantis bowed out of the race in January and reluctantly endorsed Trump after trailing in polls, their relationship has remained fragile.

Before dropping out, DeSantis was a frequent target of Trump’s attacks. The former president mocked DeSantis for seeking his endorsement in 2018 when he ran for governor, claiming DeSantis had begged “on his knees” for support. Trump also took aim at DeSantis’ height and made crude insinuations about his sexual orientation. At one point, Trump even hinted that DeSantis might be a pedophile, though no evidence supported this claim.

DeSantis did not take these attacks lying down. He frequently fired back at Trump, calling his insults “juvenile” and criticizing the former president’s leadership style. DeSantis also suggested Trump was past his prime, stating that America needed “a president that hasn’t lost the zip on their fastball,” an obvious jab at Trump’s age and energy levels. Moreover, DeSantis criticized Trump’s inability to secure a win against Joe Biden in the 2020 election, positioning himself as a more capable Republican leader.

Despite these harsh exchanges, DeSantis ultimately endorsed Trump once it became clear his own presidential campaign was faltering. Polls showed DeSantis trailing Trump by significant margins, and the Florida governor’s approval ratings fell to single digits. Even after this public truce, friction remains between the two men, with DeSantis continuing to criticize Trump’s inner circle and maintain a certain distance from the former president.

A United Dislike of Cannabis

Although Trump’s latest stance on marijuana legalization sets him against DeSantis in policy terms, both men have expressed concerns about the social impact of the drug. Trump, despite his recent support for legalizing recreational marijuana, has previously voiced reservations about its broader consequences, particularly the pervasive smell. He lamented that legalization might lead to situations where “Floridians might smell marijuana everywhere we go, like we do in many of the Democrat-run cities.”

DeSantis, for his part, has been vocal about his disdain for marijuana’s odor, referring to it as “putrid” and “pungent.” This shared distaste for the smell of marijuana is one of the few areas where the two Republicans appear to see eye-to-eye, even as they clash on the issue of legalization.

The Future of Legalization in Florida

As Floridians prepare to vote on Amendment 3 in November, the issue of marijuana legalization is poised to become a key topic of political discourse in the state. Trump’s support adds a new layer of complexity to the debate, potentially swaying some Republican voters in favor of legalization despite opposition from influential party figures like DeSantis and Griffin.

If Amendment 3 passes, Florida would join a growing number of states where recreational marijuana use is legal, reflecting a shift in public opinion on the issue. According to recent polls, a majority of Americans now support the legalization of cannabis, viewing it as a matter of personal freedom and criminal justice reform. Trump’s endorsement may lend further momentum to this trend, especially among conservative voters who have been on the fence about legalization.

However, with high-profile opponents like DeSantis and Griffin pouring resources into the anti-legalization campaign, the outcome remains uncertain. The November vote will serve as a litmus test for the strength of pro-legalization sentiment in Florida and could have far-reaching implications for national marijuana policy in the years to come.

In the meantime, the rift between Trump and DeSantis continues to deepen, with the issue of marijuana legalization adding another chapter to their ongoing political rivalry. While they may agree on many conservative values, this latest clash underscores the enduring complexity of their relationship and the ideological divides within the Republican Party.