TF
TruthOrFake
Fact Check: Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida warned that he is prepared to 'make an example of' any anti-Trump protesters who engage in rioting.

Fact Check: Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida warned that he is prepared to 'make an example of' any anti-Trump protesters who engage in rioting.

Published June 16, 2025
ByFactChecker 1.1 avatarFactChecker 1.1
✗
VERDICT
False

# Fact Check: "Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida warned that he is prepared to 'make an example of' any anti-Trump protesters who engage in rioting." ...

Fact Check: "Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida warned that he is prepared to 'make an example of' any anti-Trump protesters who engage in rioting."

What We Know

Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida has made statements regarding a "zero tolerance policy" for protests that disrupt public order, particularly those that block roads or intersections. In a recent podcast, he emphasized the state's hardline stance on protests, referencing a law passed in 2021 that allows individuals to flee from threatening protests, stating, "If you’re driving on one of those streets and a mob comes and surrounds your vehicle and threatens you, you have a right to flee for your safety" (New York Times). This law was enacted in response to protests following the murder of George Floyd and has been criticized for potentially criminalizing peaceful protests (AP News).

DeSantis's comments have been interpreted as a warning to potential protesters, particularly in light of upcoming demonstrations against Trump’s policies. He has not explicitly stated that he would "make an example of" anti-Trump protesters, but his administration has been vocal about harsh consequences for any violent or unruly behavior during protests (MSNBC).

Analysis

The claim that DeSantis is prepared to "make an example of" anti-Trump protesters is misleading. While he has indeed warned against violent protests and emphasized a strict enforcement policy, there is no direct quote or evidence indicating he specifically targets anti-Trump protesters for punitive measures. His comments seem to be more broadly aimed at any protests that could become violent, rather than a specific warning to those opposing Trump (Miami Herald).

The context of DeSantis's statements is crucial. They are part of a larger narrative where he and other Republican officials have framed their policies as necessary responses to civil unrest, particularly in relation to protests that have occurred nationwide. The Florida Supreme Court has ruled that nonviolent protesters cannot be held criminally liable under the anti-riot law, which suggests a legal framework that aims to protect peaceful demonstrations (NPR).

Moreover, the inflammatory rhetoric from law enforcement officials, such as Sheriff Wayne Ivey's extreme statements about consequences for violent actions, reflects a broader trend of aggressive posturing by state officials in response to protests (New York Times). However, this does not equate to a direct threat against anti-Trump protesters specifically.

Conclusion

Verdict: False
The claim that Governor Ron DeSantis warned he is prepared to "make an example of" anti-Trump protesters who engage in rioting is not supported by the evidence. While he has made statements about a strict enforcement policy regarding protests, there is no specific indication that he is targeting anti-Trump protesters. His comments are part of a broader context regarding public safety during protests, without direct threats aimed at any particular group.

Sources

  1. DeSantis Promises a Crackdown Against Unruly Protesters
  2. DeSantis signs Florida's anti-riot bill, cites Chauvin trial
  3. Florida's 'Anti-Riot' Law Blocked By Federal Judge
  4. DeSantis, Abbott issue warnings ahead of 'No Kings' protests, Trump's ...
  5. Gov. Ron DeSantis said Florida drivers can hit protesters if they ...
  6. DeSantis warns 'the line is very clear' as 'No Kings' protests ...
  7. How will police respond to protesters amid Florida anti-riot law ...
  8. Ron DeSantis: Florida drivers have right to hit immigration protesters

Have a claim you want to verify? It's 100% Free!

Our AI-powered fact-checker analyzes claims against thousands of reliable sources and provides evidence-based verdicts in seconds. Completely free with no registration required.

💡 Try:
"Coffee helps you live longer"
✓100% Free
✓No Registration
✓Instant Results

Comments

Leave a comment

Loading comments...

More Fact Checks to Explore

Discover similar claims and stay informed with these related fact-checks

Fact Check: Transcript 00:00 News, Trump said there was nothing he could do but it was Mexico who stepped up to save lives. While the flood waters swept away homes, families and hope in South Texas, the governor appeared on television, his voice shaking saying his hands were tied that he had no resources, no way to help but someone did. From across the river, without cameras, without promises, hundreds of Mexican rescuers crossed over on their own. They came with backpacks on their shoulders, trained dogs by their side, and hearts full of faith. They didn't wait for orders, they didn't ask for permission. They just heard the cry of a neighbor and they answered and now, in the mud and of cities like Laredo, 00:31 Eagle Pass and Mission, the loudest voices aren't speaking English. They're speaking Spanish, Mexican voices saying, hold on, we're here because while Trump locks himself in his office and the governor throws his hands up to the sky, Mexico is waste deep in the water pulling people out alive. Today, Texas faces its worst climate disaster in years. The first to react was not Trump. But the people arrested in the United States. So ask yourself if you believe Trump's immigration policies are wrong. Drop a thank you Mexico in the comments and share the story before politics buries it.
Partially True
🎯 Similar

Fact Check: Transcript 00:00 News, Trump said there was nothing he could do but it was Mexico who stepped up to save lives. While the flood waters swept away homes, families and hope in South Texas, the governor appeared on television, his voice shaking saying his hands were tied that he had no resources, no way to help but someone did. From across the river, without cameras, without promises, hundreds of Mexican rescuers crossed over on their own. They came with backpacks on their shoulders, trained dogs by their side, and hearts full of faith. They didn't wait for orders, they didn't ask for permission. They just heard the cry of a neighbor and they answered and now, in the mud and of cities like Laredo, 00:31 Eagle Pass and Mission, the loudest voices aren't speaking English. They're speaking Spanish, Mexican voices saying, hold on, we're here because while Trump locks himself in his office and the governor throws his hands up to the sky, Mexico is waste deep in the water pulling people out alive. Today, Texas faces its worst climate disaster in years. The first to react was not Trump. But the people arrested in the United States. So ask yourself if you believe Trump's immigration policies are wrong. Drop a thank you Mexico in the comments and share the story before politics buries it.

Detailed fact-check analysis of: Transcript 00:00 News, Trump said there was nothing he could do but it was Mexico who stepped up to save lives. While the flood waters swept away homes, families and hope in South Texas, the governor appeared on television, his voice shaking saying his hands were tied that he had no resources, no way to help but someone did. From across the river, without cameras, without promises, hundreds of Mexican rescuers crossed over on their own. They came with backpacks on their shoulders, trained dogs by their side, and hearts full of faith. They didn't wait for orders, they didn't ask for permission. They just heard the cry of a neighbor and they answered and now, in the mud and of cities like Laredo, 00:31 Eagle Pass and Mission, the loudest voices aren't speaking English. They're speaking Spanish, Mexican voices saying, hold on, we're here because while Trump locks himself in his office and the governor throws his hands up to the sky, Mexico is waste deep in the water pulling people out alive. Today, Texas faces its worst climate disaster in years. The first to react was not Trump. But the people arrested in the United States. So ask yourself if you believe Trump's immigration policies are wrong. Drop a thank you Mexico in the comments and share the story before politics buries it.

Jul 21, 2025
Read more →
Fact Check: Trump called Minnesota's governor 'slick and whacked out' after the assassination.
True
🎯 Similar

Fact Check: Trump called Minnesota's governor 'slick and whacked out' after the assassination.

Detailed fact-check analysis of: Trump called Minnesota's governor 'slick and whacked out' after the assassination.

Jun 30, 2025
Read more →
Fact Check: Governor DeSantis unlawfully restricted the Legislature's oversight authority.
Unverified
🎯 Similar

Fact Check: Governor DeSantis unlawfully restricted the Legislature's oversight authority.

Detailed fact-check analysis of: Governor DeSantis unlawfully restricted the Legislature's oversight authority.

Jul 12, 2025
Read more →
Fact Check: <redacted_social_handle> leaked classified intel to a group chat — not once, but TWICE. Trump’s acting FEMA chief, David Richardson, didn’t know the United States has a hurricane season. #POTUS <redacted_social_handle> thinks there are nine stages of cancer, “hundreds of governors,” and that the Declaration of Independence was written AFTER the Civil War. Now we have <redacted_social_handle> — Secretary of Homeland Security — who DOESN’T EVEN KNOW WHAT FEMA STANDS FOR, let alone 👏🏼what 👏🏼FEMA 👏🏼actually 👏🏼does.
Partially True

Fact Check: <redacted_social_handle> leaked classified intel to a group chat — not once, but TWICE. Trump’s acting FEMA chief, David Richardson, didn’t know the United States has a hurricane season. #POTUS <redacted_social_handle> thinks there are nine stages of cancer, “hundreds of governors,” and that the Declaration of Independence was written AFTER the Civil War. Now we have <redacted_social_handle> — Secretary of Homeland Security — who DOESN’T EVEN KNOW WHAT FEMA STANDS FOR, let alone 👏🏼what 👏🏼FEMA 👏🏼actually 👏🏼does.

Detailed fact-check analysis of: <redacted_social_handle> leaked classified intel to a group chat — not once, but TWICE. Trump’s acting FEMA chief, David Richardson, didn’t know the United States has a hurricane season. #POTUS <redacted_social_handle> thinks there are nine stages of cancer, “hundreds of governors,” and that the Declaration of Independence was written AFTER the Civil War. Now we have <redacted_social_handle> — Secretary of Homeland Security — who DOESN’T EVEN KNOW WHAT FEMA STANDS FOR, let alone 👏🏼what 👏🏼FEMA 👏🏼actually 👏🏼does.

Jul 21, 2025
Read more →
Fact Check: California Governor Gavin Newsom wants violence to escalate during confrontations.
False

Fact Check: California Governor Gavin Newsom wants violence to escalate during confrontations.

Detailed fact-check analysis of: California Governor Gavin Newsom wants violence to escalate during confrontations.

Jul 12, 2025
Read more →
Fact Check: California Governor Newsom is trying to protect child labor.
False

Fact Check: California Governor Newsom is trying to protect child labor.

Detailed fact-check analysis of: California Governor Newsom is trying to protect child labor.

Jul 11, 2025
Read more →
Explore All Fact Checks
Fact Check: Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida warned that he is prepared to 'make an example of' any anti-Trump protesters who engage in rioting. | TruthOrFake Blog