Florida Governor Ron DeSantis appeared on Fox News’ “America’s Newsroom” Wednesday morning to discuss two key legislative efforts in the state: curbing what he terms “forced medication” through water fluoridation and enacting stricter penalties for swatting incidents.
“Medical intervention should be based on informed consent,” DeSantis told host Bill Hemmer, referencing discussions by figures like RFK Jr. on potential health risks associated with excessive fluoride exposure. He argued that adding fluoride to public drinking water constitutes “effectively forced medication.”
While acknowledging the dental hygiene benefits of fluoride in products like toothpaste and mouthwash, DeSantis questioned the practice of widespread water fluoridation.
READ: Louisiana Sen. John Kennedy Describes ‘Biggest Concern’ After Cover-Up Of Biden’s Mental Fitness
“Why would you force people to have to do the risks that are associated with it?” he asked, suggesting that public trust in medical establishments has eroded since the COVID-19 pandemic. “Ultimately, we want people to have a choice,” he said, asserting that individuals should decide how they wish to utilize fluoride.
Hemmer countered with the American Dental Association’s (ADA) position, which supports community water fluoridation as safe in moderate amounts and based on evidence-based science. The ADA has criticized the notion of calling it “medical malpractice,” asserting it could harm Floridians’ oral and overall health.
DeSantis, however, pushed back. “With all due respect, they want to make this decision for other people,” he responded, arguing that the ADA’s stance implies a lack of trust in individuals to manage their own dental hygiene. “I think we’re better off letting people make their own decisions when it comes to this.”
READ :Trump Admin Deports 8 “Barbaric” Criminals To South Sudan, Blasts Massachusetts Judge
The conversation then shifted to the issue of swatting, a dangerous prank where false emergency calls are made to dispatch armed law enforcement to a person’s residence.
DeSantis is poised to sign a bill into law that he described as the “strongest in the country” to combat this growing problem.
The new legislation significantly increases penalties for false 911 reports, requiring convicted individuals to pay for the costs of prosecution, investigation, and restitution for any damages or injuries.
DeSantis highlighted the inherent dangers of swatting, where officers respond believing they are facing a legitimate threat, potentially leading to “lethal force” situations for unsuspecting residents.
“We’ve seen an increase in this swatting activity around the country, but including in Florida,” DeSantis noted, adding that there has been an “ideological bent” to some of these incidents, with conservative media personalities being targeted. “The bottom line is we have zero tolerance for swatting. You’re putting people’s lives in danger, and you are grossly misusing very important emergency [resources].”
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.
