DES MOINES, IOWA — Republicans came to the defense of Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds on Monday after former President Trump lashed out at how she’s handling the 2024 primary cycle in Iowa.
“I opened up the Governor position for Kim Reynolds, & when she fell behind, I ENDORSED her, did big Rallies, & she won,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “Now, she wants to remain ‘NEUTRAL.’ I don’t invite her to events! DeSanctus down 45 points!”
Trump wrote the post days after Reynolds appeared alongside Casey DeSantis when she launched her Mamas for DeSantis initiative for her husband’s presidential campaign.
The New York Times reported that Trump’s campaign is frustrated that Reynolds appears to be embracing Governor DeSantis, appearing with him at multiple events. The article noted that Reynolds did not attend a recent event with Trump when he was in Iowa.
PUBLIC SUPPORT FOR REYNOLDS
But Florida Governor Ron DeSantis praised Reynolds as a “strong leader who knows how to ignore the chirping and get it done.”
.@KimReynoldsIA is a strong leader who knows how to ignore the chirping and get it done. She earned a landslide re-election because she delivered big results, and she is poised to deliver even more for Iowans in the special session.
— Ron DeSantis (@RonDeSantis) July 10, 2023
Former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley called Reynolds a “conservative rockstar who has delivered for the people of her state. Like I always say, Iowa grows strong women!”
Governor @KimReynoldsIA is a conservative rockstar who has delivered for the people of her state. Like I always say, Iowa grows strong women!
— Nikki Haley (@NikkiHaley) July 10, 2023
Former Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson pushed back against Trump, calling his behavior “dictatorial.
“No one should be attacked for declining to endorse a politician. That behavior is dictatorial. I applaud @KimReynoldsIA for welcoming all GOP candidates into Iowa. America deserves better than Donald Trump,” Hutchinson wrote, adding a link for donations to his 2024 campaign.
Reynolds is viewed by some GOP strategists as a potential vice presidential candidate.
