DES MOINES, Iowa – Former President Donald Trump attacked Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds for her neutrality for the 2024 Republican Iowa Caucus.
“I love Iowa, protected & expanded Ethanol, got 28 Billion Dollars from China for our great Farmers, ended the Estate (Death!) Tax on farms, made the best TRADE deals in history (USMCA, China, & many more), introduced the World to our FARMERS, & kept Iowa’s “First in the Nation” status. I opened up the Governor position for Kim Reynolds, & when she fell behind, I ENDORSED her, did big Rallies, & she won. Now, she wants to remain “NEUTRAL.” I don’t invite her to events! DeSanctus down 45 points!” he said on Truth Social.
Reynolds, as Lt. Governor, was also neutral in 2016 and she follows former Governor Terry Branstad’s tradition of neutrality in the Iowa Caucus as well.
Reynolds has attended several presidential candidate events to welcome them to the state, something she has said she is willing to do for any presidential candidate.
In his post, Trump takes credit for her becoming governor after appointing former Governor Terry Branstad as U.S. Ambassador to China in 2017.
Reynolds had a tight race in 2018, defeating her Democratic challenger Fred Hubbell by only three percent. In 2022, she won re-election again defeating Deidre DeJear by 19 percent. Her influence in the state has continued to grow.
Some Iowa Republicans criticized his post.
“Ok… so we shouldn’t remain neutral? Well then after this I’m out on the former President. It’s time for fresh leadership or shall I say actual leadership. I am open to support a new fresh leader who inspires others,” Code Hoefert, former co-chair of the Republican Party of Iowa, tweeted in response.
Story County GOP Chair and Nevada Mayor Brett Barker tweeted, “Going after Kim Reynolds in the lead up to the FITN Iowa Caucus is certainly a choice.”
Bob Vander Plaats, president and CEO of The FAMiLY Leader quoted Hoeferts tweet and said, “I’ll say it again, going after Iowa’s very popular Governor.. is not smart. Iowa’s open.”
