The recent Iowa-Iowa State football game transformed into a heated political arena as ex-President Donald Trump’s entrance was met with both cheers and jeers. An eye-catching plane banner reading “Where’s Melania?” added fuel to the fire, hinting at the former First Lady’s absence from the political scene. On top of that, some spectators boldly expressed their disapproval of Trump from the stands, The New York Times‘ Anjali Huynh and Nicholas Nehamas report.
Yet, despite this animosity and the unexpected aerial message, Trump remains a force to be reckoned with in the polls in Iowa. The state’s political tradition notwithstanding, Trump continues to flex his political muscle.
The drama didn’t stop there. Ahead of the game, DeSantis’s super PAC, Never Back Down, unleashed an ad targeting Trump’s controversial support for transgender women in the Miss America pageant. The aftermath of this move was palpable, with torn DeSantis posters littering the stadium’s vicinity.
DeSantis emphasized his future-focused campaign, distancing himself from dwelling on past controversies. However, ex-Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson wasn’t shy about his critique, suggesting that Trump may not bring the honesty America needs in this election.
In a revealing twist, Times correspondent Rebecca Davis O’Brien unveiled a growing unease among the GOP’s wealthiest backers. Trump’s undeniable influence has left these donors in turmoil, as they fear their massive investments to counteract the ex-president might be in vain.
Highlighting this sentiment, GOP fundraiser Eric Levine voiced his concerns to fellow donors, stating that Trump becoming the Republican nominee could spell disaster for both the party and the nation.
As the GOP base remains firmly under Trump’s spell, prominent Republican donors are at a crossroads. With uncertainty and drama unfolding, the future trajectory of the Republican party hangs in the balance.