A Miami Herald columnist is under fire after tweeting that Floridians crowding the newly reopened beaches should “thin the ranks” of President Donald Trump supporters.

Fabiola Santiago, a longtime reporter for the embattled newspaper, tweeted the hate-filled message on Sunday night, two days after Governor Ron DeSantis gave the green light for some beaches in North Florida to safely and responsibly reopen.

“Packed beaches should work nicely to thin the ranks of Trump/DeSantis/Gimenez supporters in #Florida who value money over health,” Santiago tweeted in response to Republicans slowly reopening the economy.

The tweet, which has since been deleted by Santiago, seems to hint that those returning to the beach are all supporters of Trump, DeSantis, and Miami Mayor Carlos Gimenez – all of which have expressed their desire to reopen the economy sooner rather than later.

Santiago’s malicious comment seemed to also suggest that she harbored ill-will towards Republican supporters.

On Sunday, Santiago addressed the since-deleted tweet, suggesting that it had more to do with her disdain for the current policy, and less to do with her wishing physical harm to those who think differently than her.

In fact, my intent was to sound an alarm about prematurely opening up the country and the state. I was trying to open eyes, minds and save lives, not create a controversy about me instead of the issue, which merits discussion. #StayHome #BeSafe #practicesocialdistancing

— Fabiola Santiago (@fabiolasantiago) April 20, 2020

But the damage was already done, and her lackluster “apology” did little to calm the raging storm headed her way.

Following the distasteful tweet, Republican leaders across the state brought down the hammer on the Cuban journalist, calling on the Miami Herald to hold her accountable.

This is far beyond the pale for civilized people. It’s time for the Miami Herald to hold Fabiola accountable@GovRonDeSantis has worked tirelessly, patiently and wisely to safeguard the lives of Floridians while protecting everyone’s rights. #FireFabiola #CancelMiamiHerald https://t.co/bOFdIZehot

— Joe Gruters (@JoeGruters) April 20, 2020

to be associated with this sort of blatant and bush league behavior. Journalism, like politics, often reinforce the unfortunate stereotypes associated to them. I call on the Herald to denounce @fabiolasantiago statement.” 2/2

— Jose Oliva (@RepJoseOliva) April 20, 2020

SICK:

Fabiola Santiago—columnist for the Miami Herald tweeted today that packed beaches will “nicely thin the ranks for DeSantis & Trump supporters”

She is also part of the @UF school of “journalism” hall of fame

She should be fired & removed of any honors for this

RT!

— Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) April 20, 2020

Santiago’s comments also made waves in the national political sphere, with prominent figures like Donald Trump Jr. calling out the tweet.

This tweet from a Miami Herald columnist tells you all you need to know about her, and based on their hiring choices, likely everything you need to know about the Miami Herald as well. Their flagrant bias continues to go on unchecked. Disgusting. https://t.co/FOmn5zxnaK

— Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) April 19, 2020

You’re grotesque. A genuine embarrassment.

— Dan Bongino (@dbongino) April 19, 2020

Santiago’s comments, however, come as no surprise — given the recent failures of the Miami Herald.

We reached out to the Miami Herald for comment, but they have yet to respond.