Hope Florida was supposed to be the keystone of Ron and Casey DeSantis’ efforts to cement the governor’s conservative legacy and strengthen their future prospects. Instead, the community-based welfare initiative has become a flash point for a fiery intraparty battle that threatens to derail their political plans.

Scrutiny of a welfare program that is the signature initiative of Florida first lady Casey DeSantis is threatening to undermine a potential run to succeed her husband as governor, as well as his own presidential ambitions.