DeSantis unveils economic agenda, focusing on China, 'woke companies' and migration 

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis on Monday revealed his economic agenda for his 2024 presidential campaign, focusing on China, “woke” corporations, immigration, and the domestic energy sector.

DeSantis announced his 10-part platform, which he dubbed the “Declaration of Economic Independence,” in front of an audience in Rochester, New Hampshire. Through his new plan, the Florida governor vowed to ensure that the nation sees a 3% economic growth, if he were elected.

"I'm running for president because we need to reverse the decline in this country and restore our country to the greatness that it deserves, and that begins with restoring an American economy that actually works for American families again,” DeSantis said, before diving into the details of what his economic plan for the nation would entail. 

One of the key priorities is severing economic ties with China—a move that echoes his top rival for the GOP nomination, former President Donald Trump. DeSantis said the nation had an “abusive relationship with” China’s Communist Party, which is hindering its economic growth.

“America has seen its industrial base hollowed out, developed a dangerous dependence on Chinese supply chains, and witnessed the exposure of American companies to a hostile security apparatus,” he said.  

DeSantis said he would “demand that American companies act in accordance with American interests – which means preventing companies from sharing critical technologies with China and banning the sale of strategic assets like farmland to [Communist Party] members and their affiliates."

The Florida governor, known for his battle against “woke” ideology, said he would fight against “woke corporations” that are implementing diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, a measure he claims is “discrimination.” 

Instead, DeSantis said he would work with the private sector to develop vocational and apprenticeship programs “with a goal to become number one in the world for skilled trades by 2030.”

The presidential candidate tied his immigration policies to the American economy, claiming that he would create a “fair labor market” by “securing the border, enforcing our laws” and “limiting unskilled immigration.”

Additionally, DeSantis also vowed to “unleash our domestic energy sector” by easing regulations on the oil, gas, and coal industries, as well as eliminating incentives for individuals purchasing electric vehicles and modernizing the power grid.  

“The goal of our Declaration of Independence is simple,” DeSantis said. “We, the American people, win. They lose.”