Trump Makes a Comeback in Iowa as Campaigning Intensifies in Early Voting States
Former President Donald Trump kicks off his campaign trail in Iowa, delivering a compelling speech that sets the tone for the upcoming Iowa caucuses Get ready for an electrifying political showdown as Trump intensifies his bid for the Republican nomination
In a speech in Iowa on Wednesday, former President Donald Trump outlined his closing argument to Republican voters ahead of the Iowa caucuses next month. The front-runner for the Republican nomination emphasized the importance of defeating President Joe Biden while also criticizing his primary opponents, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, who are trailing behind him in polls both in Iowa and nationally.
Before making stops in New Hampshire and Nevada, where the Republicans' second and third nominating contests are held, Trump visited Iowa. He currently leads in primary polls and aims to maintain his momentum before voting starts in less than five weeks. During his campaign speech, Trump highlighted a legal victory, with a federal judge pausing an election interference case that could have delayed the trial starting in early March, a crucial time in the campaign season. Speaking at a hotel ballroom in Coralville, he criticized Biden's economic policies and argued that American families are worse off under Biden's presidency, particularly during the holiday season. Drawing parallels with former President Ronald Reagan, Trump questioned whether the audience was better off four years ago compared to today.
He criticized DeSantis, who is banking on a strong performance in Iowa, for his previous opposition to ethanol subsidies, a major concern for corn farmers in the state. "He was completely against anything related to ethanol. And now, suddenly, he's a big supporter. But politicians tend to stay true to their original stance. They change for elections, but then revert back," Trump stated.
The former president downplayed Haley's recent surge in polls, emphasizing his substantial lead over the former governor and the rest of the GOP candidates. He also criticized New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu after he endorsed Haley, stating that his support would have no impact in the Granite State.
Trump stated that there is no increase in popularity. He is leading the primary field by approximately 40 percentage points in nationwide polling, based on the most recent CNN Poll of Polls update. In the latest average, Trump has 61% support, while DeSantis has 17% and Haley has 11%.
The Trump campaign is ramping up efforts to boost voter turnout at the January 15 Iowa caucuses by educating supporters on how to caucus for the former president through videos shown at events. However, his rivals have held far more events in the state. Additionally, several of Trump's allies, such as Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz and former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson, are set to serve as surrogates for him at Iowa events in the coming days.
DeSantis used a CNN town hall on Tuesday night to consistently criticize Trump in an attempt to narrow the large polling gap between them. The Florida governor emphasized his own record as governor and criticized Trump's economic policies, Covid-19 pandemic response, and abortion stance, among other issues. Despite Trump's growing confidence in Iowa, his campaign sees potential obstacles in New Hampshire due to Haley's increasing popularity in the state. Trump, on his Truth Social platform, attacked Sununu over his endorsement of Haley, claiming that she had "no chance of winning."
