Donald Trump's top rival blasts 'woke lunacy' ahead of expected bid for presidency

Ron DeSantis said Florida is where “woke goes to die” in a passionate speech following his swearing-in for a second term as governor.

DeSantis said Florida is the “No.1” state as he claimed credit for overseeing a state that families move to in a bid for “sanity”.

Speculation continues to mount over whether he will run in the presidential Republican primary against Donald Trump in 2024.

In a 20-minute speech, the Florida governor promised to impose more “family friendly” policies to defend children from people who want to “rob them of their innocence”.

DeSantis spoke outside the Florida Historic Capitol with “The Free State of Florida” banners providing the backdrop as he promised to make sure the state is the best when it comes to raising a family.

He said: “We reject this woke ideology. We seek normalcy, not philosophical lunacy. We will not surrender to the woke mob. Florida is where woke goes to die.”

The Republican spoke on the importance of law enforcement, blue collar workers, teachers, farmers, senior citizens and the families who moved to Florida during his first term as governor.

The 44-year-old was joined by his wife and Florida’s First Lady Casey DeSantis and their three children, Madison, Mason and Mamie.

A rough count from the campaign and inauguration team shows more than 3,000 people attended the event on Tuesday.

DeSantis was honoured at his inauguration with a jet flyover and a cannon salute after he took oath of office.

A large security team was in place for the event, with drones flying over the Capitol building and snipers on nearby roofs.

The politician surged into the national spotlight as a result of his Covid response, which differed from the measures enforced by the Biden administration.

The Florida governor gained the support of Republicans across the country as a result of his stance on lockdowns, face masks and vaccine mandates.

DeSantis also signed the controversial 'Don't Say Gay' bill into law in March 2022, despite claims that it marginalises LGBTQ people.

The bill forbids instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity from pre-school to third grade.

The Republican now finds himself as a potential runner for the 2024 presidential election, with several polls showing he is the preferred candidate among Republicans to become their nominee.