Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis said on Newsmax reports that a bill proposed in the state senate would have authorized the use of taxpayer dollars for former President Donald Trump's legal bills are false.
"I think there was a problem where people just weren't reading legislation," Patronis said Friday during an appearance on "National Report."
"These were not taxpayers' dollars. The dollars that were being used were actually fees that were paid by candidates in qualifying, so we had a pretty elaborate formula there so taxpayer dollars weren't going to be used, but look, mince no words, this is a dialogue that's got to take place.
"We are seeing our justice system and our court system weaponized by the left to try to take out political opponents of the incumbent and administration with the Biden's, so again we have got to do something, we've got a healthy dialogue that's been started but we brought awareness that what was taking place to President Trump or whomever the Republican nominee might have been as we had two Florida men running is simply not acceptable," he added.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who late last week suspended his GOP presidential campaign, on Monday suggested he would veto the bill. Shortly after, the legislation was withdrawn.
SB 1740, filed by State Sen. Ileana Garcia, a Miami Republican, would have created a fund that would allow up to $5 million in grants to pay the legal fees of Trump or any other Florida resident running for president "subject to political discrimination."
About NEWSMAX TV:
NEWSMAX is the fastest-growing cable news channel in America!
- Find Newsmax channel in your home via cable and satellite systems – More Info Here
- Watch Newsmax+ on your home TV app or smartphone and watch it anywhere! Try it for FREE -- See More Here: NewsmaxPlus.com
Solange Reyner ✉
Solange Reyner is a writer and editor for Newsmax. She has more than 15 years in the journalism industry reporting and covering news, sports and politics.
© 2026 Newsmax. All rights reserved.