'How Orwellian': Orlando Sentinel torches DeSantis taking the 'victory lap' as COVID infections drop in Florida

The editorial board for a Florida-based newspaper had no qualms about expressing its disapproval of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) in its fiery new essay.

On Friday, October 29, the Orlando Sentinel criticized the Republican governor describing him as a "fraud." Since DeSantis has made it his mission to rail against most COVID mitigation efforts, the publication sees it as "Orweillian" that he would attempt to take credit for the state's new low COVID percentage rate.

"Florida led the nation in case rates for much of the summer, and our governor was silent. Well, not totally silent" the newspaper said. "He did rail against mask and vaccine mandates, measures intended to prevent people from falling ill."

It added, "Now, a governor whose sole contribution to fighting the outbreak was to expand antibody treatments for people after they got infected is taking full credit for the decline in cases."

The writers went on to highlight some of DeSantis' controversial decisions where COVID is concerned.

With a more blistering choice of words, the editorial board blasted DeSantis and labeled him a "phony" for having "the gall, the nerve, to take a victory lap" despite the state having over 21,000 COVID-related deaths.

"And now, the do-nothing governor is trying to claim credit for this surge coming to an end,” the editorial concluded. “It is DeSantis’ final and most essential command — to reject the evidence of your eyes and ears. How Orwellian."

The Orlando Sentinel's damning piece comes just days after the Miami Herald released a blistering essay of its own. DeSantis has spent the last several months railing against President Joe Biden.

From mask mandates to vaccine requirements and proof of vaccination, DeSantis made great efforts to block threats.