Donald Trump expressed his optimism on Sunday about winning the Iowa Republican presidential caucuses in January, despite advisers warning him not to set high expectations. Speaking at the ornate Orpheum Theater in Sioux City, Iowa, Trump confidently declared, “There’s no way Iowa is voting against Trump.” He cited the economic benefits brought by the tariffs his administration imposed on China as a reason for his popularity in farm states.
However, it is worth noting that when Trump took the stage, he mistakenly greeted the audience by mentioning a city in a neighboring state, Sioux Falls, which is more than 80 miles north and across the South Dakota state line. He later corrected himself, acknowledging his error.
This event marked Trump’s eighth campaign appearance in Iowa within a month, as he intensifies his efforts leading up to the crucial first-in-the-nation caucuses in January. The former president’s team has made significant strides in organizing his campaign compared to his 2016 run, when Trump was less familiar with the political process.
While Trump has consistently criticized Florida Governor Ron DeSantis over the past few months, he increased his criticism of former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley on Sunday. Haley, who also served as the governor of South Carolina, has been gaining attention among Iowa Republicans and has seen a rise in the polls. Trump mocked Haley for suggesting that she would not run for president if he also ran in 2024, following her departure from the United Nations post.
Despite uncertainties and potential challengers within his own party, Trump remains confident in his ability to secure victory in the Iowa caucuses. Only time will tell if his predictions hold true.
The Criticism of Haley and Trump’s Response
In a recent incident, the derogatory nickname “bird brain” was used to describe Haley, while she was referred to as “a highly overrated person.” The criticism was aimed at her by an individual well known for making controversial statements – Donald Trump.
Furthermore, Trump revealed his ulterior motive for appointing Haley to his Cabinet during her tenure as governor. He admitted that one of the reasons behind his decision was to support Henry McMaster, who was the lieutenant governor of South Carolina at the time and an avid supporter of Trump. In his own words, Trump declared, “I liked it. I got two for the price of one.”
Although Haley has been subtly expressing her disapproval of Trump’s actions for quite some time without explicitly mentioning his name during her campaign in early-voting states, Saturday witnessed her most forceful condemnation of the former president yet. She courageously voiced her concerns during her speech at the Republican Jewish Coalition’s yearly gathering in Las Vegas.
Before Trump took to the stage in Sioux City, he was endorsed by Ben Carson. Carson, a renowned neurosurgeon who had previously run for the GOP nomination in 2016, went on to serve in Trump’s Cabinet as the secretary of Housing and Urban Development. While this endorsement may seem unremarkable considering Carson’s Cabinet position, it is worth noting that several officials resigned from Trump’s administration following the violent attack on the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao and Education Secretary Betsy DeVos both cited Trump’s role in the events of that day as the reason for their resignations.
Overall, this incident sheds light on the tension between Haley and Trump, while also giving insights into his controversial presidency and the actions of key individuals within his administration.