Iowa Gov Kim Reynolds slams Trump, boosts Ron DeSantis with her endorsement as Internet calls her 'traitor'
DES MOINES, IOWA: Republican Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds has shifted her neutral stance by endorsing Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis for president at a rally in downtown Des Moines on November 6.
Reynolds, who previously decided to remain neutral in the Iowa Caucus, has changed her stance, citing "unprecedented times."
In a joint interview with DeSantis, Reynold said that Donald Trump is unlikely to win the 2024 presidential election, and that is the primary reason why she decided to endorse the Florida governor.
As a mother, grandmother, and American, I can't sit on the sidelines.@RonDeSantis is the person who will fight for you. Who will have the moral conviction to do what’s right & the ability to actually do what he promises.
— Kim Reynolds (@KimReynoldsIA) November 7, 2023
His record proves that. He has my full endorsement! pic.twitter.com/938D6iYKCB
The endorsement comes at a critical juncture in DeSantis's presidential race because, based on the latest opinion poll conducted by CBS, he is still trailing behind Trump.
Kim Reynolds wants to 'elect someone who can win'
Reynolds endorsing DeSantis over Trump has finally ended her political relationship with the former president.
"Not only do we need to make sure that we elect someone who can win and beat Joe Biden, we need a president who has the skill and the resolve to reverse the madness that we see every single day," the Iowa governor said at the rally.
She even took a jab at Trump, criticizing him for handling the Covid-19 pandemic during his presidency. She said people need to elect "someone who will fight for you and win for you. We need someone who won't get distracted but will stay disciplined who puts this country first and not himself. That leader is Ron DeSantis."
Reynolds told the crowd how DeSantis did not bend the knee to the "pressure to shut down and 'shelter in place' to keep our kids out of school," during the pandemic.
"When the liberals and media came after him, he stood his ground. When the Trump administration let Fauci lead their response, Ron had the courage to say not in Florida."
"Ron is focused, he is principled, he is results driven. And in short, what I love most about Ron is he gets things done," she added. "I am so proud to stand here tonight and give him my full support and endorsement," she announced to the crowd.
DeSantis thanked Reynolds, calling her "one of the greatest governors in the United States."
It is an honor to be endorsed by Iowa's great governor, @KimReynoldsIA.
— Ron DeSantis (@RonDeSantis) November 7, 2023
Kim has led her state with strength and principle — and delivered big results. She knows how to win the tough fights needed to get things done.
Together, we will win Iowa. pic.twitter.com/kWRHkCwoHU
Kim Reynolds's support for his rival annoys Donald Trump
Trump feels that Reynolds has backstabbed him despite all the help he has given her.
Trump took to his Truth Social account in July to point out how he helped the Iowa governor. "I opened up the Governor position for Kim Reynolds, & when she fell behind, I ENDORSED her, did big Rallies, & she won. Now, she wants to remain 'NEUTRAL.' I don't invite her to events! DeSanctus down 45 points!" he wrote.
Hours before the endorsement announcement came, Trump reacted by saying that such a move would mark "the end of her political career."
The impact of Reynolds's support to the Florida governor will be seen only on January 15, 2024, when the 2024 Iowa Republican presidential caucuses will be held.
Iowa is crucial in deciding the direction of the presidential race
Despite being a small midwestern state with an overwhelming 89.8% white population (according to the US Census Bureau), Iowa has a vital role in deciding Republican and Democratic presidential candidates.
According to Vox's senior political correspondent Andrew Prokop, Iowa is the first state where "actual voters across any US state get up and go say who they want to be president." This early shot in the campaign can "hype up" the result and mobilize the campaign.
Trump supporters call Kim Reynolds a 'traitor'
Kim Reynolds is facing severe backlash from Trump supporters for endorsing DeSantis, who is turning out to be the biggest rival of the former president.
One user said, "You are a traitor."
Another user stated, "Big mistake. Huge!"
"We'll vote you out next time," said a user.
"You're a loser who reminds me of Carly Fiorina. You know this was a bad move. I can see it on your face. You're going nowhere but down," said a fourth user.
You're a loser who reminds me of Carly Fiorina. You know this was a bad move. I can see it on your face. You're going nowhere but down.
— Tierney (@MaggiePeggy1234) November 7, 2023
"Shame on you Miss Gov Kim. I've been so proud of you till now. Ron is a good Gov but not ready for the big stage. Your supporters are not with you on this," stated another user.
Shame on you Miss Gov Kim. I've been so proud of you till now. Ron is a good Gov but not ready for the big stage. Your supporters are not with you on this.
— Trucker9 (@Olehawk1916) November 7, 2023
While a sixth user said, "You and Ron will never have my vote, ever."
Another one stated, "Iowa is all in on Trump. This will hurt you tremendously."
"... poor decision..." noted one user.