A room full of people erupted in applause after Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis blasted a reporter on Monday who attempted to challenge him over legislation critics are referencing as “Don’t Say Gay.”
The reporter, Evan Donovan, shared a video of the exchange on Twitter as he asked the GOP governor whether he supported the bill.
When Donovan noted that “critics” were calling the measure the “Don’t Say Gay” bill, DeSantis interrupted and did not hold back.
“Does it say that that in the bill?” DeSantis demanded.
“I know that you support —” Donovan tried again.
“Does it say that in the bill?” DeSantis repeated.
“I’m asking —” Donovan attempted to protest as DeSantis immediately pushed back.
“I’m asking you to tell me what’s in the bill because you are pushing false narratives,” DeSantis responded. “It doesn’t matter what critics say.”
“It bans classroom instruction on sexual identity and gender orientation,” Donovan pressed.
“For who?” DeSantis asked. “For grades Pre-K through three. So five-year-olds, six-year-olds, seven-year-olds — and the idea that you wouldn’t be honest about that and tell people what it actually says, it’s why people don’t trust people like you because you peddle false narratives,” the governor said, correcting Donovan, to cheers.
WATCH:
JUST NOW: I asked if he supported HB 1557, the legislation critics call the 'Don't Say Gay' bill.
— Evan Donovan