Its actually a really common tactic to get a book on the bestseller list. This is why NYT indicates if there are reports of mass purchases. I think it only takes a minimum of 5,000 books to be sold to get on the list. Which is 5,000 more than I have ever sold .
I am not saying DeSantis did this or he is even aware of it just that its a well used strategy. For publishers it allows them to use the moniker “from the NYT bestselling author” on future books.
“Some in the Fake News are falsely stating that Ron DeSanctimonious’ book is doing as well as “LETTERS TO TRUMP,” my new book. This is FAKE NEWS in that LETTERS doesn’t even come out until April 25th. Ron has groups buying his book in order to inflate sales and, in fact, on the first day, his book was already 30% discounted. LETTERS TO TRUMP has much different pricing, and is a coffee table book. The so-called Stars corresponded with me, you’ll love it!“