A high-profile dispute is unfolding between one of the country’s most prominent conservative thinkers and Florida’s Attorney General, centered on Mori Hosseini, a powerful figure in state politics, just as the holiday weekend gets underway.
Christopher Rufo said he was “hearing very serious allegations related to” the Chair of the University of Florida Board of Trustees, who is one of the most powerful Republicans in the state and a very close ally of Gov. Ron DeSantis.
Rufo, who previously served on the New College Board of Trustees after being appointed by Governor DeSantis, is now a Senior Fellow at the Manhattan Institute. He has a history of weighing in on university leadership, having been a vocal opponent of former UF presidential nominee Santa Ono, a candidate supported by Hosseini.
“It’s time for the Board of Governors to halt the presidential search and launch a full investigation into Hosseini’s financial disclosures and potential conflicts of interest related to his real estate holdings,” Rufo said, regarding the Board of Governors’ delayed vote to hire Stuart Bell as the University President amid questions about whether Hosseini is exercising authority improperly.
Hosseini has played a key role in supporting Governor DeSantis since the 2018 campaign, including advocating for a $92 million highway interchange that benefited his company, ICI Homes. The relationship has been mutually beneficial, with DeSantis reportedly accepting private flights and access to a golf simulator from Hosseini.
Attorney General James Uthmeier, who was appointed by DeSantis, moved swiftly to defend Hosseini’s reputation.
“If you want to defame and smear a good man’s name, you’re going to have a real problem with me,” said the DeSantis-appointed chief lawyer in the state, who went on to vouch for Hosseini’s integrity.
“Many wealthy people lobby the state. Most unethically ask for things that will benefit them personally — their family, business, or land. The grift is gross. Mori is the exception. He fights for universities and charities, never once for himself. All state officials know I’m right.”
Rufo is not the only prominent figure raising concerns about the Bell appointment. U.S. Senator Rick Scott has also criticized the process, sending a letter that not only questioned the hire but also took aim at Attorney General Uthmeier for accepting a lucrative adjunct teaching position at UF Law.
Despite the controversy, the University of Florida Board of Trustees could still move forward with appointing Stuart Bell as interim president.
