In a recent development, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and other prominent Republicans are urging the state university system's Board of Governors to launch a thorough investigation into the spending practices of former University of Florida President Ben Sasse. The call for scrutiny comes after a student-run newspaper, The Alligator, published a report highlighting Sasse's alleged use of millions of dollars in university funds for secretive consulting contracts and jobs benefiting GOP allies.

Highlighting the seriousness with which they handle the stewardship of state funds, Governor DeSantis' spokesperson, Bryan Griffin, stated that they have already begun discussions with university leadership and the Board of Governors regarding the matter. This statement was issued shortly after Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis publicly urged university officials to examine Sasse's "exorbitant spending," emphasizing the importance of ensuring proper use of tuition and tax dollars.

While the specifics of the discussion between the governor's office and the board have not been disclosed, it is clear that concerns have been raised over Sasse's allocation of university funds. As of now, Florida Chancellor Ray Rodrigues has not responded to requests for comment on the situation.

In response to the growing scrutiny, Sasse defended his office's spending in an extensive statement issued on Friday. He acknowledged that his office had directed substantial funding towards vital initiatives, asserting that all expenditures had undergone the necessary approval process. Sasse further emphasized that the university's board of trustees had not expressed any concerns regarding these initiatives. He also stated his intention to draft a memo for the governor's office and other relevant parties in Tallahassee.

The interest in Sasse's spending practices at the University of Florida stems from the investigative reporting conducted by The Alligator. According to their findings, Sasse's office had spent $17.3 million during his first year in office, a significant increase from the $5.6 million spent in the last year of former UF President Kent Fuchs' term. A major portion of the spending can be attributed to lucrative contracts with prominent consulting firms and high-salaried positions for Sasse's former U.S. Senate staff and political allies.

Additionally, travel expenses during Sasse's 17-month tenure skyrocketed to $633,000, over 20 times higher than Fuchs' average annual expenditure of $28,000. The Alligator report revealed that Sasse permitted several of his political appointees to work outside of Florida, commuting to Gainesville at the university's expense. Sasse did not refute any of The Alligator's findings but chose to defend the expenses, primarily focusing on the success of the Hamilton Center, an academic center that received support from conservative and religious groups.

Sasse's statement is the first acknowledgment of the scrutiny prompted by The Alligator's investigation. Earlier this week, Congressman Matt Gaetz of Florida criticized Sasse, labeling him a "terrible university president" who should not have been hired.

Sasse officially resigned from his post as president of the University of Florida on July 31, citing the need to care for his wife, who was recently diagnosed with epilepsy. Interim President Kent Fuchs assumed leadership on August 1, overseeing the university's ongoing operations.

The calls for investigation and the subsequent defense from Sasse create an atmosphere of uncertainty regarding the former president's spending habits at the University of Florida. As the Board of Governors looks into the matter, the findings will shed light on the true extent of the alleged misuse of university funds.