The recent airing of a Spanish-language radio advertisement in South Florida has ignited a conversation surrounding Governor Ron DeSantis, specifically diving into his purported stance on Social Security and Medicare. Sponsored by DeSantis Watch, a project helmed by progressive research organizations Progress Florida and Florida Watch, the advertisement orchestrates a dramatized dialogue between a mother and daughter, articulating profound apprehensions about the escalating cost of living in Florida.

At the heart of the ad’s claim is the assertion that Governor DeSantis is not only accountable for the escalating costs but also harbors intentions to implement cuts to Social Security and Medicare, all while nurturing aspirations for a presidential run. In response to these weighty allegations, PolitiFact undertook a thorough investigation, carefully scrutinizing DeSantis’ congressional track record, statements made during his gubernatorial tenure, and his ongoing quest for the 2024 presidential nomination.

During DeSantis’ tenure as a U.S. representative, he did lend his support to symbolic proposals aimed at reducing Medicare and Social Security spending, including advocating for raising the retirement age. However, it is crucial to underscore that these proposals were nonbinding, signifying that they did not progress into law. Shifting focus to his gubernatorial and current presidential candidate role, DeSantis has expressed a willingness to contemplate adjustments to Social Security for younger generations, simultaneously emphasizing his firm stance against making any alterations to benefits for current beneficiaries.

The complexity of the issue revolves around the potential implications of alterations to Social Security, such as raising the retirement age, which could be construed as benefit cuts. However, it is essential to recognize the critical distinction that these proposals were symbolic and lacked the legal authority to bring about concrete changes.

While the ad unequivocally asserts that DeSantis is actively campaigning for sweeping cuts to Social Security and Medicare, such a characterization oversimplifies a nuanced policy stance. Given the ambiguity surrounding DeSantis’ stance on Medicare, the ad contributes to a potentially skewed representation of his broader policy intentions. Considering these intricate factors, PolitiFact rendered a judgment of Mostly False, emphasizing the necessity for a nuanced comprehension of DeSantis’ historical stances and statements regarding these crucial social programs.