During an appearance on the Rubin Report, the governor spoke with host Dave Rubin about the ongoing protests against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids in Los Angeles — where the Trump administration deployed National Guard troops and active-duty Marines — as well as the upcoming anti-Trump demonstrations set for June 14, the same day as Trump's multimillion-dollar military parade.
When Rubin asks what would happen if protesters take over streets without permits, DeSantis appears to claim that Florida's controversial "Stand Your Ground" law extends to drivers dealing with protesters. DeSantis said that the state has a "zero tolerance policy."
"We also have a policy that if you are driving on one of those streets and a mob comes and surrounds your vehicle and threatens you, you have a right to flee for your safety," DeSantis said during his Wednesday night interview. "And so if you drive off and you hit one of these people, that's their fault for impinging on you."
The governor maintains that people can defend themselves in the Sunshine State.
"You don't have to sit there and just be a sitting duck and let the mob grab you out of your car and drag you through the streets," DeSantis added. "You have a right to defend yourself in Florida."
As the clip of DeSantis discussing how drivers do not have to worry about hitting a protester if they are fleeing for their safety made the rounds on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, people applauded the governor's remarks.🚨FLORIDA (MAD) MAN: Governor DeSantis gives Floridians GREENLIGHT to Run Over Protestors Blocking Them in the Streets.
— Publius (@OcrazioCornPop) June 12, 2025
"That's their fault for impinging on you!"
Do you agree with @GovRonDeSantis? pic.twitter.com/LaBRdP1PwB
Rubin wrote that DeSantis is the best governor in the U.S.
"And it ain't close."
One user noted, "This is huge, reason enough to relocate to FL."
Another added, "Sanity. I would put my foot on the gas in a heartbeat."
There seemed to be one voice of reason in the room.
"Insantis is the worst governor in the country — except maybe Abbott," an X user wrote." "He is destroying our institution of higher learning and now advocating murder by vehicle."
On Saturday, demonstrators across South Florida will advocate for democracy and reject authoritarianism amid the Trump administration's immigration crackdown. The organizers of Miami's protest emphasize that the demonstrations will be peaceful and encourage attendees to bring acoustic instruments.
