'Counterprogramming': DeSantis’ plan to invade Iowa goes up in smoke after Trump strikes back

06 May 2023

More Republicans are ‘stepping up attacks’ on Ron DeSantis as he surges in 2024 GOP presidential polls

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) might have planned to make moves with a visit to Iowa as speculation mounts about whether or not he will announce a presidential bid for 2024.

But it appears former President Donald Trump may have poured cold water on the Republican governor's plan. According to The Washington Examiner, DeSantis was tentatively scheduled to travel to Iowa on May 13. The governor is expected to deliver speeches at multiple Republican fundraisers.

However, Trump is also scheduled to travel to the capital city of Des Moines on the same day. He is expected to hold a campaign rally which will likely capture a lot of attention.

In a piece published by The Washington Examiner, reporter David Mark explained the challenge DeSantis now faces in having to circumvent the former president.

"DeSantis must compete with Trump, who is trying for another White House term," Mark said. "Trump on May 13 is set to hold a rally in downtown Des Moines at the Lauridsen Amphitheater at Water Works Park.

He added, "The rally at 7 p.m. Central time, around the same time as DeSantis’s speaking gig on May 13, virtually guarantees major coverage on the cable channels for Trump, largely drowning out his rival’s message."

According to Mark, Trump's actions appear to be an act of "counterprogramming."

"Trump’s bit of counterprogramming comes amid his recent torrent of social media posts blasting DeSantis over everything from his governance of Florida to having once (purportedly) eaten pudding with his fingers," he wrote. "DeSantis has been considered the strongest GOP contender against Trump to challenge President Joe Biden. DeSantis hasn’t entered the primary scrum, likely waiting until the end of Florida’s annual legislative session in mid-May."

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