Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said the reported decision by President Donald Trump’s Justice Department to drop a complaint related to the Hope Florida Foundation confirms that the controversy was politically motivated and without legal merit.

According to The Floridian, the DOJ reviewed the matter in late 2025 but determined there was “no predicate” to open an intake or pursue further action. A source told the outlet that no additional steps are expected. The Justice Department has not publicly confirmed the decision, and Fox News Digital reported it has requested comment.

“The witch hunt against the Hope Florida Foundation was orchestrated by left-wing media and their RINO allies,” DeSantis said in a statement to Fox News Digital. He added that state agency actions were “appropriate and legally sound,” calling Hope Florida the most successful conservative anti-poverty initiative in the nation.

The scrutiny stemmed from a 2024 settlement in which Centene, a major government-focused health insurer, agreed to return $67 million to Florida’s Agency for Health Care Administration over Medicaid overbilling claims. After the settlement, $10 million was directed to the Hope Florida Foundation.

The foundation later issued two $5 million grants to 501(c)(4) organizations—Save Our Society from Drugs and Secure Florida’s Future. Of that funding, $8.5 million ultimately went to Keep Florida Clean, a political action committee that opposed Florida Amendment 3, a ballot measure that would have legalized recreational marijuana.

Casey DeSantis, the governor’s wife, has been publicly opposed to marijuana legalization and has been mentioned as a potential 2026 gubernatorial candidate. State Rep. Alex Andrade, R-Fla., previously said the movement of funds was led by then–chief of staff James Uthmeier, while stating he did not see evidence directly implicating either Ron or Casey DeSantis.

The reported DOJ decision comes as relations between Trump and DeSantis have improved following their 2024 Republican primary contest. Speculation continues over a potential gubernatorial run by Casey DeSantis, though Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Fla., has already entered the race with Trump’s endorsement.