Florida’s Department of Children and Families has issued a cease-and-desist letter to anOrlando Sentinel reporter investigating Hope Florida, a charity linked to First Lady Casey DeSantis, amid growing scrutiny over alleged misuse of funds.
At a Glance
- Florida DCF accused reporter Jeffrey Schweers of “threats and coercion” during his investigation of Hope Florida.
- The Orlando Sentinel rejected the claim, defending its coverage of the charity’s operations.
- Hope Florida received a $10 million donation from a Medicaid settlement with Centene.
- Some of that funding allegedly went to political groups fighting marijuana legalization.
- A criminal probe is underway into the charity’s financial transactions.
Investigative Reporting Under Fire
The Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) issued a cease-and-desist letter to Jeffrey Schweers of the Orlando Sentinel, accusing him of “threats and coercion” as he contacted foster families while reporting on Hope Florida, a charitable initiative led by First Lady Casey DeSantis. However, the DCF’s letter did not provide specific examples of misconduct.
The Sentinel defended its reporter, asserting that Schweers’ actions were consistent with standard journalistic practice. The paper emphasized the constitutional protections afforded to press freedom and noted that DCF officials had previously declined to answer questions or release public records about the charity.
Governor Ron DeSantis weighed in via social media, dismissing Schweers as a “smear merchant.” In response, Schweers highlighted the state’s refusal to respond to multiple public records requests.
Watch a report: Florida nonprofit tied to Casey DeSantis’ program probed over $10 million grants.
Charity’s Financial Dealings Under Scrutiny
Hope Florida came under the spotlight after it received a controversial $10 million donation from a Medicaid fraud settlement with Centene Corporation. These funds were transferred to two nonprofits—Secure Florida’s Future and Save Our Society From Drugs—which then contributed to a political committee fighting a marijuana legalization amendment on Florida’s 2024 ballot.
State Representative Alex Andrade described the potential misuse as “money laundering and wire fraud,” and called for deeper oversight into Hope Florida’s operations. Legislators raised concerns about the absence of transparency in how the funds were handled, especially given their public origin and political destination.
Governor DeSantis has publicly defended the charity, arguing the backlash is politically motivated and part of an effort to damage his administration and his wife’s rising political profile. Yet, public scrutiny of Hope Florida has continued to intensify.
Political Implications and Ongoing Investigations
The growing controversy around Hope Florida poses significant risks for First Lady Casey DeSantis, who has been floated as a future gubernatorial candidate. The charity, once seen as a model for compassionate conservatism, now faces a criminal investigation into its finances and mounting bipartisan scrutiny.
Meanwhile, Republicans in the Florida legislature are becoming divided over the scandal. Some demand internal reforms and transparency, while others remain aligned with the governor’s defense. The outcome of the probe could reshape both the DeSantis political brand and the boundaries between public service and private charity in state politics.
