DeSantis admin misspent $10M, grand jury says
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
A Florida grand jury found DeSantis's administration misappropriated $10 million in Medicaid settlement funds. The money went to a charity tied to his wife, then to political committees.
Background
The Hope Florida Foundation, a charity started by Casey DeSantis, received $10 million from a state Medicaid settlement in 2024. The grand jury report, leaked and published by CBS News Miami, says the funds were quickly redirected to political committees opposing a marijuana legalization ballot measure. The report was completed in January but kept secret until the leak.
How it unfolded
- 2024Hope Florida Foundation received $10 million from a state Medicaid settlement, which was then redirected to political committees.
- Jan 2026Grand jury completed its report, finding misappropriation but insufficient evidence for criminal charges.
- Aug 27, 2026The report was leaked and published by CBS News Miami; DeSantis called the finding 'a lie.'
Who’s saying what
- Grand Jury
- The money was misused as part of a sophisticated scheme to fund political activities, but no criminal charges were recommended.
- DeSantis
- Governor DeSantis called the finding that funds were misappropriated 'a lie' and denied involvement.
Still unverified
The grand jury report was leaked and not officially released; The New York Times could not independently verify the document, though officials have not questioned its veracity.