Although DeSantis hasn't formally declared his candidacy for president, Trump has been focusing his attacks on him for months as the Florida governor solidified his position as the only GOP candidate with any chance of challenging Trump.
NBC News correspondent Matt Dixon exclusively reveals that Trump's Make America Great Again PAC has lodged a complaint with the Florida ethics commission, the majority of whom are DeSantis appointees, following a rumor that Trumpworld is preparing to launch some harsh oppo against DeSantis: The Florida Commission on Ethics will receive a 15-page complaint from "Make America Great Again Inc. on Wednesday; NBC News was the only outlet to obtain a draft of the complaint.
In it, the commission is tasked with looking into whether, among other things, pro-DeSantis super PACs, his "personally lucrative book tour," and an ongoing flurry of state-level campaign contributions "are unlawful because they serve his personal political objectives, are in furtherance of his personal financial gain at the expense of Florida taxpayers, and are intended to influence his official decision to resign from office."
Taryn Fenske, the director of communications for DeSantis, dismissed the complaint as "frivolous and politically motivated assaults," telling NBC News that "it's improper to use state ethics for partisan ends."
While DeSantis has not officially launched his campaign, he has garnered media attention with stunts like sending migrants to Martha's Vineyard at taxpayer expense and with a policy campaign aimed at culture war issues. Trump launched his campaign in November with what many thought to be a lackluster speech at Mar-a-Lago.
After DeSantis made progress for several months, Trump's lead in the polls has increased as more contenders have entered the race.
