DeSantis calls DHS Disinformation Governance Board a 'belated April Fool's joke'

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis speaks during a campaign event for Republican Senate candidate on April 27, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Ronda Churchill/Getty Images

• Governor Ron DeSantis is one of many conservatives saying they are against a new Disinformation Governance Board. 
• The Department of Homeland Security announced the board to combat false news. 
• The Board will focus on false migration news fueling border surges.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is one of many conservatives upset about the Department of Homeland Security's new Disinformation Governance Board, calling it a "bureau of disinformation" and a "belated April Fool's joke."

"They want to stifle dissent," Desantis said during a press conference in Williston, Florida, on Friday. 

—Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) April 29, 2022

 

DeSantis also said that he would "reject this bureau in the state of Florida."

The Department of Homeland Security announced Wednesday that the Board will be tackling misinformation surrounding immigration issues, which has led to surges of migrants arriving at the border, according to the Associated Press. 

The Board will also tackle Russian disinformation around elections and COVID-19, as well as the war in Ukraine.

"The spread of disinformation can affect border security, Americans' safety during disasters, and public trust in our democratic institutions," the DHS told the AP in a statement. 

Conservatives, including DeSantis, have compared the new program to the Ministry of Truth, a fictional branch of the government in George Orwell's novel, "1984."

A representative for DeSantis did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment.

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