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In a Trump-like move, Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida is hawking a gold 'Freedom Team Membership Card' to his supporters

Cheryl Teh   

In a Trump-like move, Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida is hawking a gold 'Freedom Team Membership Card' to his supporters
International2 min read
  • Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida is selling a gold membership card for his gubernatorial campaign.
  • The card bears an image of a grinning DeSantis next to the words "FLORIDA FIRST FIGHTER."

Almost a year after former President Donald Trump launched his Trump Cards for supporters, Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida appears to be hawking a gold membership card of his own.

Insider viewed one of DeSantis' fundraising pages this week, which allowed donors to his gubernatorial campaign to obtain a gold DeSantis Freedom Team Membership Card. The card's design shows a grinning DeSantis in sunglasses next to the words "FLORIDA FIRST FIGHTER."

"Exclusive for our top 100 supporters only," the website said.

The fundraising page also promised those signing up for the card exclusive updates from DeSantis and his team amid their "fight to keep Florida FREE!"

The page indicated that the recommended donation amount to obtain the card was $37 and that the funds would go toward DeSantis' gubernatorial campaign.

A separate fundraising link for the card viewed by Insider appeared to be a limited-time offer for the governor's top supporters in July. This website said "I WANT YOU TO JOIN MY INNER CIRCLE," recommending a minimum donation of $35 to secure the card, including shipping costs.

Twitter users also circulated screenshots of emails from the DeSantis campaign that encouraged them to sign up for the card.

For example, Ron Filipkowski, a Marine veteran who tracks right-wing news, posted what appeared to be a screenshot of one such email, which called on recipients to "become a member" of DeSantis' inner circle by grabbing a card for "just $20."

Representatives for DeSantis did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Insider.

In August 2021, Trump launched his own membership card, asking supporters in an email to choose their favorite Trump Card design. This first iteration of the card came emblazoned with the former president's signature in gold lettering.

Trump caught flak over the cards' designs, however, one of which appeared to contain a typographical error. Critics also said the cards resembled symbols from the Third Reich and the Kennkarte, a form of ID used in Nazi Germany.

The official Trump Card design was confirmed in September along with its price: $45. This design, however, appeared to feature a vector image of an eagle that could be downloaded free on Shutterstock.

In April, Trump's PAC called on his supporters to get their "official Trump Gold Cards," a renewed iteration of the original red Trump Card.

DeSantis and Trump are viewed as leading contenders for the 2024 Republican presidential ticket, though neither has formally declared that he's entering the race. A DeSantis representative told Insider this week that the lawmaker remained "focused on Florida and running for reelection as governor this year."

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