Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis released campaign merchandise that goes after infectious disease expert Dr. Anthony Fauci’s coronavirus restrictions with t-shirts and koozies that show the phrase, “Don’t Fauci My Florida.”

“Keep Florida Free” is another phrase used in the merchandise, which is printed on a flag that resembles the style of former President Donald Trump’s campaign gear.

DeSantis is considered a top Republican contender in the 2024 presidential election. He is up for reelection in 2022.

DeSantis has drawn attention for his response to the pandemic. He re-opened the state and lifted restrictions earlier than other states. Florida was among the first states to lift the mask mandate.

“How the hell am I going to be able to drink a beer with a mask on?” DeSantis said in February after he was seen watching the Super Bowl without a mask. The line is now part of the merchandise.

Some experts have argued that if more people had followed the guidelines of wearing masks properly and practicing social distancing the pandemic would have seen fewer deaths.

Some Republicans have criticized the use of masks and social distancing, calling them unreasonable and unnecessary.

DeSantis' decision with his merchandise is a bold one and proves that is he reaching for a specific crowd in mind.

The merchandise has gotten a mix of reactions, Sen. Marco Rubio stated on Fox News “I think it’s funny,” while The Views Ana Navarro-Cardenas responded calling it “exploiting and profiting off the pandemic” and “irresponsible and shameful.”

This is just one of the examples of DeSantis using his position to go against Dr. Facui’s suggestions. DeSantis recently sued and won against the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for attempting to put restrictions on cruise ships in the state.

“You had people flying on airplanes, going to theme parks but, somehow, this one industry was being shut down by an agency that didn’t really have the legal authority to do that,” he said at a news conference in Jacksonville when he announced the victory.

The pandemic death record for the U.S. includes more than 607,000 deaths. Florida had a recorded 2.36 million cases with 38,157 deaths.

Coronavirus