DeSantis's Controversial Stances on Criminal Justice Reform, IRS, and Jan. 6 Pardons

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who recently announced his candidacy for the 2024 presidential election, has said that he would push Congress to repeal the First Step Act, a criminal justice reform bill signed into law by former President Trump in 2018. DeSantis called the legislation a "jailbreak bill" and criticized its provisions for reducing mandatory minimum sentences and expanding credits for well-behaved prisoners. He argued that those who are in jail should serve their time and that releasing unrehabilitated prisoners early is a mistake. DeSantis' comments highlight his efforts to position himself as more conservative than Trump on certain issues.