Anti-Trump media outlet Axios fired its reporter Ben Montgomery for describing a Florida release headlined “Governor Ron DeSantis Hosts Roundtable” as “propaganda.”
The publication, which frequently publishes stories framing former President Donald Trump’s chances for 2024 in a negative light, was quick to sacrifice one of its own for criticising the DeSantis press release.
Florida Department of Education communications director Alex Lanfranconi posted a screenshot of Montgomery’s response to the press release email, which was headlined: “Governor Ron DeSantis Hosts Roundtable Exposing the Diversity Equity and Inclusion Scam in Higher Education.”
“This is propaganda, not a press release,” the Axios reporter responded to the Ron DeSantis press release.
Montgomery described the press release as having “no substance” and “a series of quotes about how bad DEI was,” The Washington Post reported.
“This reporter is no longer with Axios. Out of respect for our employees, we do not discuss conditions of departure,” Axios editor-in-chief Sara Kehaulani Goo told Fox News.
On Monday, Charlotte Klein of Vanity Fair announced that Axios had fired Montgomery because of the email.
“Some personal news: I made crepes this morning for the first time in years. Strawberry compote and whipped cream. They were delicious,” Montgomery wrote when retweeting Klein’s post.
However, Montgomery argued his criticism of the press release was not due to partisan politics.
“It just wasted my time,” he told the outlet.
“That’s really all that matters,” Montgomery said
“I regret being so short,” Montgomery continued. “In the style of Axios, I used smart brevity, and it cost me.”
“It might seem like a little thing for a guy in Tampa, Fla., to be out of a job for a minute,” Montgomery said, according to the Post.
“But this has ripple effects for an administration that’s really had their way with the press and run roughshod over a lot of people — good people,” he added.
Not only is DeSantis being propped up by the media as a possible 2024 candidate, some unlikely Conservatives are rushing to endorse him
On Wednesday, GOP Rep. Chip Roy of Texas declared his full endorsement of the Sunshine State governor if he decides to run in 2024.
While DeSantis has not officially announced he is running, many expect him to make an announcement soon.
Following Roy’s announcement, he said:
“It’s time for Ron DeSantis to be President of the United States.”
READ MORE: Jeb Bush Praises Ron DeSantis as Potential 2024 Presidential Candidate
