Former President Donald Trump and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, two prominent figures in the Republican Party, clashed at the Iowa State Fair as their rivalry continues to intensify. Although they did not come face to face, both politicians separately sought to court voters at the fairgrounds. DeSantis, who has faced setbacks in recent months, planned to campaign at the fair for weeks. However, Trump announced his presence at the fair on the same day to overshadow his top rival.
During his visit, DeSantis encountered protesters blowing whistles and a plane flying a banner that read Be Likeable Ron! Trump’s supporters were also present, chanting we love Trump as DeSantis flipped pork chops at the fair. In contrast, Trump enjoyed a large crowd of enthusiastic followers during his multiple stops at the fairgrounds. The former president underestimated the crowd sizes of his fellow GOP contenders, claiming they only had like six people attending their events.
Notably, Trump chose not to sit down with Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds for her fair side chats, unlike the other Republican candidates. This decision drew criticism from DeSantis, who described Trump’s attacks on Reynolds as totally out of bounds and commended the governor for doing a great job.
The rivalry between Trump and DeSantis extends beyond the state fair. Trump holds a significant lead over DeSantis and other contenders in various surveys, including those conducted in Iowa, where the GOP presidential nomination race begins. While DeSantis signed a pledge to support the eventual nominee, Trump has not committed to attending the first Republican presidential nomination debate.
Meanwhile, Nikki Haley, a former ambassador and South Carolina governor, joined Governor Reynolds at the fair and commented on Trump’s absence, saying it was his decision and that standing with Reynolds was a great thing.
The Iowa State Fair also saw the presence of other GOP presidential candidates, including entrepreneur and author Vivek Ramaswamy. On the Democratic side, candidates Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Marianne Williamson, though considered long shots, garnered attention from political reporters as they made their way through the fairgrounds.
Overall, the clash between Trump and DeSantis at the Iowa State Fair highlights the intensifying rivalry between the former president and his top Republican contender for the 2024 nomination. As the race progresses, it will be crucial to observe how their competition unfolds and its impact on the party’s future.
