DeSantis Honors Washington with Capitol Statue

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis marked a patriotic moment Thursday February 20 2025 by dedicating a new George Washington statue at the state Capitol in Tallahassee. The bronze figure on loan from Mount Vernon stands tall in the rotunda. DeSantis hailed Washington as the gold standard for leaders who put country over power. With the nation’s 250th birthday looming in 2026 he said it is time to celebrate real heroes. The event drew a crowd of lawmakers and schoolkids waving flags. It caps a push to spotlight America’s founding roots.

DeSantis kept it personal in his speech. He said Washington could have been king but chose to step down after the Revolution. That restraint shaped a free nation not a throne. The governor contrasted it with today’s grab for headlines over duty. First Lady Casey DeSantis and Secretary of State Cord Byrd joined him at the podium. Byrd yanked off the cover to cheers. The statue a copy of one in Virginia’s Capitol shows Washington in his prime. It is here for a year to kick off events tied to the big anniversary ahead.

This is not just pomp for DeSantis. He has made history a cornerstone since taking office. Last year he signed laws mandating more civics in schools. Critics call it a play to his base. Supporters say kids need to know what made America tick. The Washington statue fits that mold. It comes as Florida gears up for 2026 with county tributes to other founders. DeSantis noted 28 counties bear their names like Madison and Jefferson. He wants locals to take pride in that legacy not tear it down.

The crowd ate it up. Kids from a nearby school waved little stars and stripes. Lawmakers like Rep. Stan McClain praised the nod to Washington’s grit. Some Democrats grumbled it is all show no substance. They point to budget fights over schools and health care. DeSantis brushed that off. He said Washington would not fit today’s loudmouth politics. The governor quoted King George III who reportedly called Washington the greatest man alive for quitting power. That line got the biggest applause of the day.

Behind the scenes this took work. Mount Vernon agreed to the loan after talks with Florida officials. The statue cast from a 1790s mold weighs over 500 pounds. Moving it to Tallahassee was no small feat. DeSantis said it is worth it to spark patriotism. He plans more founder honors statewide. Some see it as a jab at D.C. chaos under Biden and now Trump. Others say it is just good timing with the 250th nearing. Either way the rotunda now has a new centerpiece drawing eyes and chatter.

Not everyone is sold. Critics argue DeSantis is polishing his image not fixing real issues. They note his past battles over masks and Disney tax breaks. A few X posts called it a photo op for 2028 ambitions. His team says that misses the point. Washington stood for principle over politics they argue. The statue deal cost Florida nothing thanks to private donors. Still it ties to DeSantis’ pitch as a no-nonsense leader. He has not ruled out a White House run after his term ends in 2026.

The statue could stir bigger waves. If it pulls crowds and boosts civic pride it might fuel copycat moves in other states. Texas and Georgia already eye their own founder nods for 2026. DeSantis hinted at a national push to honor the past not rewrite it. That is red meat for folks tired of statue toppling nationwide. Detractors warn it glosses over flaws like slavery in Washington’s day. The debate will roll on. For now Florida has a new landmark to boast about.

This moment lands as Trump settles into D.C. again. DeSantis backing Washington over flashier icons might signal his lane. He is betting on quiet duty not loud tweets. The statue unveiling went off smooth with no protests. That is a win in a state often split on his moves. By year’s end we will see if it is just a one-off or the start of a history reboot. Tallahassee is betting on the latter as the 250th draws near.