Can Nikki Haley Win 2024 GOP Ticket Defeating Trump?

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Ex-President Trump has directed his criticism at prominent Iowa evangelical figure Bob Vander Plaats following Vander Plaats’ endorsement of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.

Trump lashed out on Truth Social, disparaging Vander Plaats as a former high school accountant who hasn’t achieved victory in years. He accused Vander Plaats of scamming candidates and spreading disinformation, akin to Democrats’ tactics, and expressed distrust in anything Vander Plaats says. Trump particularly criticized Vander Plaats for accepting $95,000 before endorsing a candidate he views as unsuccessful.

Vander Plaats, in his endorsement on Fox News, emphasized the need for a Republican candidate who can win in 2024. He praised DeSantis for turning Florida decidedly red and for his bold leadership. This endorsement came shortly after Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds also backed DeSantis, highlighting DeSantis’ impressive win in Florida and his appeal to various demographics.

Trump’s campaign responded with a mocking email titled, “Bob Vander Plaat$ Endorses A Candidate Who Will Never Be President.” The campaign contrasted Vander Plaats’ monetary demands with the free support Trump receives from faith leaders, suggesting that real leaders like Trump inspire voluntary support.

The campaign also downplayed the impact of Reynolds’ endorsement on DeSantis’ prospects, adding that neither her support nor Vander Plaats’ will help DeSantis. Previously, Trump had criticized Reynolds for her disloyalty and predicted the end of her political career with MAGA supporters if she endorsed DeSantis.