By Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis criticized former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, congressional stock trading and a lucrative private agreement involving former Trump attorney Alina Habba during a Nov. 3 interview, arguing that too many public officials use their positions for personal gain.
Appearing on SiriusXM’s “Straight Shooter with Stephen A. Smith,” DeSantis said “the swamp is the worst it’s ever been” and urged Republicans to confront corruption in Washington. He called for a ban on congressional stock trading and renewed his support for term limits, contrasting his decisions while serving in Congress with the conduct of other officials.
Governor DeSantis BLASTS Kristi Noem for bungling mass deportations and turning it into a shit show for her own glory.
DeSantis BLASTS Congressmen like Byron Donalds for making millions on the stock market.
DeSantis BLASTS Alina Habba for getting a $10 million government… pic.twitter.com/4JpdATW5Fx
— Chris Nelson 🏝️🇺🇸 (@ReOpenChris) November 3, 2026
DeSantis described President Donald Trump’s appointment of Noem to lead the Department of Homeland Security as a mistake, criticizing her approach to immigration enforcement. “She wanted these conflicts. I think she wanted them because they generated news and generated conflict. That’s not the way to do it,” he said.
Noem faced criticism over the implementation of mass deportation operations before leaving the department. Trump subsequently appointed her a special envoy for Western Hemisphere security.
DeSantis also criticized lawmakers who trade stocks while serving in Congress, referencing Florida Rep. Byron Donalds, who has disclosed hundreds of trades since taking office. DeSantis said he had refrained from trading stocks during his congressional tenure and declined congressional pension and health care benefits.
His criticism extended to Habba’s reported private agreement with the family of Venezuelan banker Julio Herrera Velutini, whom Trump later pardoned. The arrangement reportedly totaled more than $50 million over four years, including roughly $10 million annually.
Habba has denied any quid pro quo involving the pardon, while Trump has described the contract as “unacceptable” and “outrageous.” The reported arrangement was a private agreement with the banker’s family, though some social media accounts have characterized it as a government contract.
DeSantis argued that public service requires officials to accept limits on their own financial interests. “If the people in office don’t display some civic virtue about public service as a sacrifice. It’s not to use the public office for private gain.”
“These guys work for themselves. They should be working for you,” he added. The remarks reinforced his longstanding calls to restrict congressional perks and impose term limits.
The interview came as Florida became the only stronghold for the Republican Party left after the disastrous midterm elections for the GOP.
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