Washington, D.C. – On a recent trip to New Hampshire, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis stated that, if elected president, when it comes to federal employees, “we are going to start slitting throats on day one.” National Federation of Federal Employees National President Randy Erwin released the following statement in response:
“Clearly Governor DeSantis does not understand the incredibly important work federal employees perform for the American people every day. These are the folks caring for our cherished veterans, keeping our military ready, maintaining our homeland security, and performing countless other critical functions for the American people. Aspiring national leaders should be thanking these dedicated civil servants, not threatening them.
“Nearly one-third of federal workers are veterans, and DeSantis says he wants to start cutting their throats. His comments are outrageous and dangerous. He should retract his statement publicly immediately. If he does not, he is demonstrating how truly ill-qualified he is for the position he is seeking.
“DeSantis must understand that the threat of violence is a serious and growing threat for federal workers. People hear this kind of rhetoric and think violence against civil servants is normal or even justified. Using this kind of language is reckless and beneath the dignity of someone aspiring to be President of the United States.
“DeSantis is aspiring to be the leader of the free world. You simply are not qualified for that role if you talk about cutting the throats of your own citizens. These are not the words of a commander-in-chief.
“Common decency should tell a person not to use that kind of violent and dangerous rhetoric. I presume DeSantis thinks these comments make him look tough, but they don’t. They make him look desperate.”