Portrait of Ron DeSantis

DeSantis Campaign Press Release - WHAT THEY ARE SAYING: Ron DeSantis Unveils Foreign Policy Plan

October 31, 2023

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Ron DeSantis outlined his plan for a foreign policy that prioritizes and protects America's vital interest in a speech at the Heritage Foundation on Friday.

DeSantis said in his speech:

"First and foremost, you've got to put the American people first. The idea that it's even distinguishing to say you want a national security strategy that puts America first shows you how far astray we must have gone with some of this stuff. Of course, that's your obligation to put your own country first. The protection of the lives, safety, and security of our people and the sovereignty of our nation is the fundamental duty of our federal government."

Here's what they are saying:

New Hampshire State Senator Regina Birdsell: "DeSantis outlined a principled and sustainable foreign policy for America in the 21st Century. He understands where America's primary threat lies (China) and how all other threats are exacerbated by American weakness in the face of that challenge."

Washington Examiner: DeSantis says China is using Israel-Hamas war to dethrone the US ahead of major speech

New York Times: DeSantis Says He Will 'Reorient' U.S. Foreign Policy to Counter China

Daily Signal: DeSantis Reveals His Plan to Combat Threat of a 'Global Dystopia'

Washington Times: DeSantis calls for expanding U.S. Navy to counter 'looming China threat'

RedState: DeSantis Channels Reagan with Call for 'Hard Power,' 600-Ship Navy in Heritage Speech

National Review: The Swipes at Ron DeSantis' Foreign-Policy Chops Are Unconvincing

WPTV: Gov. Ron DeSantis targets China in 2024 foreign policy agenda

Heritage Defense Fellow Brent Sadler:A four ocean Navy: 355 Navy warships by 2029 - that's a goal to support! Will be tough but the option is giving a green light to Chinese aggression which will only be more costly in blood and treasure down the line.

South Carolina State Representative Josh Kimbrell: "As the world burns under Joe Biden, new leadership is needed. Ron DeSantis has energy and vigor to maintain American dominance in the 21st Century. America needs DeSantis's leadership now."

Florida Speaker Paul Renner: "It's not enough for policymakers to recognize that the Chinese Communist Party is the existential threat to the U.S.; we need leaders that act. Ron DeSantis stood up to China's malign influence in Florida, and he's made clear that he will do the same from the White House."

Iowa State Senate President Amy Sinclair: "Only one candidate is talking about the innovation we need to out-compete China: Ron DeSantis. We need to dominate the technologies of tomorrow, or else we lose to China."

Former US Ambassador Lisa Gable: "Biden's naïve, failed foreign policy has undoubtedly made America less secure and emboldened our enemies like never before. DeSantis laid out a clear agenda of American dominance and deterrence that eschews the interventionism of the past while rejecting shortsighted isolationism. This is the clear-eyed leadership we need from the next Commander-in-Chief."

Robert Malone: "Ron DeSantis was on fire today at the Heritage Foundation. Deep understanding of foreign policy, very strong but realistic positions regarding the CCP, and he really got fired up about the WHO pandemic treaty."

David Reaboi: "DeSantis' foreign policy speech is the best, most substantive—and least ideological—speech a candidate for president has ever given. Outlines his much-needed Jacksonian approach."

Ron DeSantis, DeSantis Campaign Press Release - WHAT THEY ARE SAYING: Ron DeSantis Unveils Foreign Policy Plan Online by Gerhard Peters and John T. Woolley, The American Presidency Project https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/node/370811

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