By Paul Waldmiller
Did you know that U.S Senator Ashley Moody again faces renewed scrutiny for her role as Florida Attorney General in approving the diversion of $10 million in Medicaid settlement funds to the Hope Florida Foundation?
According to financial records, Moody’s office approved a payment to a charity aligned with First Lady Casey DeSantis without implementing the typical compliance mechanisms required for such large state expenditures. These funds were transferred to political action committees, including one led by James Utmeier, to campaign against the 2024 marijuana legalization amendment.
Governor DeSantis cited Moody’s opposition to Amendments 3 and 4 as a reason for appointing her to the U.S. Senate in 2025; however, the money used to defeat Amendment 4 originated from this Medicaid settlement. A Leon County grand jury issued a presentment detailing findings and concerns regarding the scandal, though the report’s release is tied up in secret court proceedings, so the public has not been given a transparent report.
Unlike other officials involved, such as Uthmeier, Moody has also refused to answer questions or grant interviews regarding her knowledge of or involvement in the fund diversion.