Trump cancels Iowa rally, DeSantis speaks in key primary state.

Severe Weather Forces Trump to Cancel Iowa Rally

Former President Donald Trump was forced to cancel his Iowa rally scheduled for Saturday night due to severe weather. The 2024 presidential candidate announced the cancellation on his social media platform Truth Social.

Trump was ready to go, but had to wait on standby near the Palm Beach, Florida, airport before taking off for the Hawkeye State. However, several counties across the state issued a tornado warning, ultimately forcing Trump to forego the trip. The cancellation spoils an anticipated faceoff in the crucial GOP primary state between the former president and potential 2024 Republican opponent Governor Ron DeSantis.

DeSantis Draws a Significant Crowd in Sioux Center, Iowa

DeSantis, who is expected to announce his campaign launch any day, gave the keynote address at the Feenstra Family Picnic in Sioux Center, telling the crowd of over 500 that Republicans “must reject the culture of losing that’s affected our party in recent years” and “the time for excuses is over.”

DeSantis will also appear at a Republican state party fundraiser in Cedar Falls, Iowa, Saturday night. The event sold out, which marked only the second time in five years that such a regional event had sold out, according to Iowa GOP party chair Jeff Kaufmann, NBC News reported.

Trump’s Response to the Cancellation

“Unfortunately, due to the Tornado Warnings in Des Moines, we are forced to cancel today’s outdoor Rally at the Lauridsen Amphitheater,” Trump said. “Stay tuned, we will reschedule soon. Be safe out there!”

As for Trump, the Iowa rally would have been the first after he further solidified his position as the Republican frontrunner during a CNN town hall in New Hampshire earlier this week. The town hall was held a day after a jury in New York said he sexually abused and defamed author E. Jean Carrol.

During the event, the former president sparred with reporter Kaitlan Collins and drew applause and laughter from the Republican audience when he addressed his recent civil trial.

The former president is also in the midst of a legal battle with Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg who charged Trump with 34 felony counts stemming from his alleged hush money payments to adult film actress Stormy Daniels during the 2016 election.

Conclusion

The cancellation of Trump’s Iowa rally may have spoiled an anticipated faceoff between the former president and potential 2024 Republican opponent Governor Ron DeSantis. However, DeSantis drew a significant crowd in Sioux Center, Iowa, and is expected to announce his campaign launch soon. The GOP primary battle is expected to be long and dramatic.