Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has vehemently opposed the Biden administration‘s plan to incorporate Air National Guard service members into the Space Force, citing concerns about federal law and state control over National Guard forces.
In a letter to the chairs and ranking members of the Senate and House Armed Services committees, DeSantis argued that the proposal would “flout more than a century of precedent” and undermine governors’ authority to approve changes to National Guard units.
DeSantis’ letter comes after 48 governors, including those from states, territories, and commonwealths, signed a letter to Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin opposing the proposal. While DeSantis was not among the signatories, his letter emphasizes the importance of state control over National Guard forces, particularly in times of domestic crisis.
Ron DeSantis (Credits: The Hill)
As a low-lying, storm-prone state, Florida relies heavily on its National Guard units for disaster response and logistics support. DeSantis argued that the state’s National Guard should be more prominent, but the federal government has “under-resourced” Florida compared to other large states.
To supplement the state’s National Guard, Florida has established the Florida State Guard, which can be deployed in times of need.
While DeSantis expressed support for the Space Force and its operations in Florida, including at Patrick Space Force Base, he emphasized that the country cannot “effectively protect our nation from foreign enemies when we cannot guarantee the safety and security of our communities here at home.”
Ron DeSantis (Credits: CNBC)
He urged the department to withdraw or reject the proposal, which he believes would weaken the state’s ability to respond to domestic emergencies, particularly as hurricane season approaches.
DeSantis’ letter highlights the tension between federal and state authority and the importance of National Guard forces in times of crisis. His opposition to the proposal will likely be closely watched by other governors and state officials, who may share similar concerns about the impact on their own National Guard units.
