Donald Trump is once again attacking Republican Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds, this time over her endorsement of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.
Trump first attacked Reynolds on Sunday, posting a meme video on his Truth Social account showing her praising him in the past. He sarcastically captioned the video, “Thank you, Governor Reynolds for being so loyal. MAGA!“
Reynolds officially endorsed DeSantis two weeks ago. Trump and his supporters have been on the attack against Reynolds ever since, criticizing her for remaining neutral in the Republican presidential primary and then endorsing DeSantis.
Trump’s anger at Reynolds intensified over the weekend when she joined DeSantis for a campaign event in Iowa ahead of Trump’s own rally in the state.
In a series of Truth Social posts on Sunday, Trump called Reynolds “the MOST UNPOPULAR GOVERNOR IN THE UNITED STATES” and accused her of endorsing DeSantis in exchange for a position in his administration. He also claimed that DeSantis is “50 Points down to me in the Polls” and that his endorsement has given DeSantis “exactly ZERO ‘Bounce.‘”
Trump’s attacks on Reynolds are likely an attempt to pressure her to drop her endorsement of DeSantis and to boost his own standing in Iowa, which is a key early state in the Republican presidential primary.
Trump’s attacks on Reynolds are also part of a broader pattern of behavior in which he has lashed out at other Republicans who have not been sufficiently loyal to him. This includes former Vice President Mike Pence, former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, and former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley.
Trump’s attacks on Reynolds are likely to damage her standing with Republican voters in Iowa. However, it remains to be seen whether they will be enough to sway her endorsement of DeSantis.
Analysis
Trump’s attacks on Reynolds are a sign of his growing desperation to win the Republican presidential nomination. He is feeling threatened by DeSantis’s growing popularity, and he is lashing out at Reynolds in an attempt to undermine her support for his rival.
Trump’s attacks are also a sign of his own declining popularity. He is no longer the undisputed leader of the Republican Party, and he is increasingly being seen as a divisive figure.
Reynolds’s decision to endorse DeSantis is a sign that she is willing to take a stand against Trump. She is putting the interests of the Republican Party ahead of Trump’s personal interests, and she is showing that she is not afraid to stand up to him.
It remains to be seen whether Reynolds’s endorsement of DeSantis will be enough to derail Trump’s presidential campaign. However, it is a significant development that could have a major impact on the race for the Republican nomination.
Conclusion
Trump’s attacks on Reynolds are a sign of his growing desperation and his own declining popularity. Reynolds’s decision to endorse DeSantis is a sign that she is willing to take a stand against Trump and put the interests of the Republican Party ahead of his personal interests. It remains to be seen whether Reynolds’s endorsement will be enough to derail Trump’s presidential campaign, but it is a significant development that could have a major impact on the race for the Republican nomination.