Rep. DeSantis, governor of Florida and former U.S. representative, used remarks at a Governor's Cabinet event to honor U.S. military service, promote Florida's higher-education tuition policy and mark the approaching 250th anniversary of American independence.

"Don't drink the Kool Aid and don't catch Potomac fever," he said, adding he had been "able to be a congressman for 6 years and not go native up here" before returning to Florida.

DeSantis told the gathering that Florida has "not raised tuition at our state university since I've been governor" and said in-state tuition was "about $6,300 a year," a figure he used to argue the state's foundation dollars stretch further than in other states. He encouraged families to take advantage of the lower tuition, saying, "we would love to see" them do so.

The governor framed his praise of veterans in historical terms, noting the coming 250th anniversary of the United States on July 4 and the role of service members in preserving the republic. He described Arlington National Cemetery and military sacrifice as "the greatest testament to American freedom," and echoed Benjamin Franklin's reported post-Convention remark that the country is "a republic only if you can keep it." He also recognized the burdens borne by military families, saying spouses and children "are already serving" through their sacrifices.

DeSantis referenced several historical figures and places in his remarks, including Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin and Doctor Benjamin Rush, and pointed to sites such as the Jefferson Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery as reminders of the ideas and sacrifices behind the nation. He also mentioned visits to Franklin County and Apalachicola, Florida.

The remarks combined ceremonial commemoration and policy advocacy: DeSantis used the occasion to praise veterans and to reiterate his administration's stance on keeping in-state university costs low. He did not provide supporting documents or cite specific legislative or administrative measures tied to the tuition claim during the remarks.

DeSantis concluded by thanking those present for supporting grieving families and veterans, saying, "So thank you all for what you're doing. It's an honor to be here, and God bless everybody."