Trump Cancels Rally Due to Tornado Warnings, While DeSantis Gains Support in Iowa
Former President Donald Trump was forced to cancel his outdoor rally in Des Moines, Iowa, on Saturday due to multiple tornado warnings, in a move he says was for the “safety of patriots.”[0] The cancellation comes as Trump's presumed GOP primary challenger, Florida Gov.[1] Ron DeSantis, was in the state for events in Sioux Center and Cedar Rapids to raise money for fellow Republicans.[1] DeSantis, who is expected to announce his 2024 presidential campaign soon, attended the Saturday event in support of Iowa Rep. Randy Feenstra.[2]
However, even as Trump demonstrates early dominance over the GOP primary field, the decision to bracket DeSantis’ visit and the frequent attacks aimed at his rival signal that the former president still sees the Florida governor as his most serious potential challenger for the party’s nomination. Focusing on the primary attacks, Trump criticized DeSantis' voting record as a congressman on issues such as entitlement overhaul and considered him disloyal for contemplating a presidential bid after receiving Trump's endorsement in his 2018 run for governor, which the former president reiterated on social media before his Iowa visit. It seems that Trump has issued a warning to DeSantis as he contemplates declaring his candidacy for the 2024 election.[3]
Despite Trump's dominant position as the leading candidate for the 2024 presidential election and his growing popularity in recent polls, DeSantis poses the greatest challenge within the Republican Party to Trump's bid for re-election. In anticipation of his expected presidential announcement this summer, the former president has intensified his criticism of the Florida governor. DeSantis, on the other hand, has been rolling out a hefty list of endorsements from Iowa lawmakers as he visited the crucial early-voting state on Saturday in an attempt to garner support for his potential Republican presidential campaign.[4]
During his visit to Iowa, DeSantis told the crowd that “the time for excuses is over” and said his party can’t look backward if it wants to defeat President Joe Biden in 2024.[5] DeSantis addressed a crowd of approximately 400 to 500 people, stating that if the 2024 election is focused on Joe Biden's shortcomings and the presentation of a beneficial option for the nation's future, Republicans will emerge victorious in all aspects.[6] Failure to maintain focus and avoid distractions, such as dwelling on past events or irrelevant issues, will lead to a repeat loss to the Democrats in the election.[7]
While DeSantis appears to be focusing on a positive vision for the future, Trump has been attacking his potential primary challenger and remains a dominant force in the party. However, DeSantis has been gaining momentum and support, with endorsements from Iowa state legislative leaders and lawmakers.[8] It remains to be seen how the battle between Trump and DeSantis will play out, but it is clear that both are vying for the Republican nomination in 2024.
0. “Donald Trump is forced to cancel outdoor Iowa rally after multiple tornado warnings issued” Daily Mail, 13 May. 2023, https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12081105/Donald-Trump-forced-cancel-outdoor-Iowa-rally-multiple-tornado-warnings-issued.html
1. “Trump cancels Iowa rally due to tornado warning: ‘Be safe out there!'” Fox News, 13 May. 2023, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-cancels-iowa-rally-due-tornado-warning-be-safe-out-there
2. “DeSantis talks ‘freedom' in Iowa, while touting Florida's book bans” Business Insider, 13 May. 2023, https://www.businessinsider.com/desantis-talks-freedom-in-iowa-while-touting-floridas-book-bans-2023-5
3. “DeSantis tests his retail politics in Iowa as bad weather keeps Trump out of Hawkeye State” CNN, 13 May. 2023, https://www.cnn.com/2023/05/13/politics/trump-desantis-iowa/index.html
4. “DeSantis Gains Momentum Ahead of Visit to Iowa” National Review, 12 May. 2023, https://www.nationalreview.com/corner/desantis-enjoys-huge-haul-of-iowa-endorsements-ahead-of-visit
5. “DeSantis Campaigns in Iowa as Trump Cancels Due to Weather” Yahoo Life, 13 May. 2023, https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/trump-desantis-crisscross-iowa-early-125338189.html
6. “DeSantis holds events with Iowa conservatives, Trump cancels rally due to weather” ABC News, 14 May. 2023, https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/desantis-holds-events-iowa-conservatives-trump-cancels-rally/story?id=99280988
7. “DeSantis secures endorsements on visit to Iowa in preparation for likely 2024 bid” The Guardian US, 13 May. 2023, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/may/13/desantis-secures-endorsements-on-visit-to-iowa-in-preparation-for-likely-2024-bid
8. “DeSantis rolls out a major slate of Iowa endorsements” POLITICO, 12 May. 2023, https://www.politico.com/news/2023/05/12/desantis-iowa-endorsements-00096770
