Former President Donald Trump made a fiery return to Iowa on Saturday, seizing the opportunity to assert his dominance in the upcoming Caucus Day, slated to unfold in less than two months. Addressing a fervent crowd, Trump extensively highlighted his administration’s international achievements while delivering scathing critiques of President Joe Biden, former President Jimmy Carter, and key rivals in the Republican primary race.
In a blistering tirade against President Biden, Trump spared no words, labeling him a “stupid person,” “incompetent,” and questioning his ability to represent the United States amidst ongoing international crises. “This is not a man who should be running the country,” Trump emphatically declared.
Turning his attention to former President Jimmy Carter, whose wife, Rosalynn, entered hospice care the day before, Trump callously remarked, “the happiest person anywhere in this country right now … because his administration looked brilliant compared to these clowns.” The audience responded with laughter, cheers, and applause.
Even Trump’s prominent challengers in the Republican primary race were not immune to his verbal assaults. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis faced mockery from Trump, particularly on the ethanol issue, with Trump theatrically gesturing downward, proclaiming, “He’s going ‘whoosh,’ down the tubes.”
Notably, Trump did not mention Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds, who recently endorsed DeSantis and has faced Trump’s criticism for allegedly being ungrateful after he claimed credit for her electoral victory in the governor’s race.
In Fort Dodge, Trump took a swipe at Iowa’s two senators, Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst, claiming credit for their electoral successes. “I got a lot of people elected here, including (U.S. Sen. Chuck) Grassley, who was having a problem, and (U.S. Sen. Joni) Ernst, who had a really big problem. … I got ’em elected, remember that,” Trump asserted.
It’s worth noting that Grassley secured his eighth Senate term in 2022 with 56% of the vote, while Ernst won a second term with 52% of the vote in 2020. The rally showcased Trump’s unrelenting approach as he navigates the political landscape, leaving no target untouched.
