Donald Trump Criticizes Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds for Refusing to Endorse a Candidate in 2024 Republican Primary Race

Former President Donald Trump has expressed his displeasure with Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds for her refusal to endorse a candidate in the upcoming 2024 Republican primary race. Trump had previously endorsed Reynolds in her own election and held rallies in her support.

The New York Times reported that Trump’s team is growing increasingly frustrated with Reynolds’ closeness to Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who is seen as a potential rival to Trump in the race for the GOP nomination. Reynolds has appeared at three of DeSantis’ four events in Iowa this year, and was present at a campaign event with his wife on Thursday.

In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump suggested that Reynolds is tacitly supporting DeSantis, even as she remains nominally neutral. “I opened up the Governor position for Kim Reynolds, & when she fell behind I ENDORSED her, did big Rallies, & she won,” Trump wrote.

Reynolds has previously stated that she wants to welcome all candidates to her state, which will hold the first nominating contest for Republicans in January. Iowa governors have traditionally remained neutral in presidential primary races.

The Republican primary race is still in its early stages, and it remains to be seen how Reynolds’ neutrality will affect the outcome. Trump’s criticism of Reynolds may be an indication of his own plans to run for president in 2024.