The Associated Press has declared former President Donald Trump as the winner of the Iowa Republican caucuses. In his speech late Monday night, Trump expressed gratitude to Iowans for a decisive victory despite challenging weather conditions. This marks Trump's second win in the Iowa caucuses, having previously won in 2020 but lost to Sen. Ted Cruz in 2016.
During his address, Trump criticized President Biden on issues related to the southern border, crime, and international conflicts, declaring him the "worst president" in U.S. history. Trump congratulated GOP nomination opponents Ron DeSantis, Nikki Haley, and Vivek Ramaswamy, who suspended his campaign and endorsed Trump.
Despite harsh weather prompting the cancellation of some campaign events, Trump urged his supporters to caucus, emphasizing the importance of participation. Despite facing 91 charges across four criminal cases, Trump maintained a strong lead in Iowa polls throughout the campaign. DeSantis, who secured second place, campaigned extensively but couldn't narrow Trump's lead, while Haley gained ground in New Hampshire, which holds its primary after Iowa.
