“Disloyalists’”: Iowa Governor Dubbed the “Most Unpopular in America” by Trump

Cynthia PaulDec 1, 2023

Minute Read

In a video released on Tuesday, Donald Trump further escalated his attacks on Governor Kim Reynolds of Iowa and Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida, his rival for the presidency. He downplayed the significance of Reynolds’ support for DeSantis and referred to Reynolds as “the most unpopular governor in America.”

Not an Easy Feat

In the campaign-released video, Trump said that Reynolds had “gone from a popular governor to the most unpopular governor in the entire United States of America, not an easy feat.”

A Wounded Bird

According to Trump, her support for DeSantis “has given him exactly zero bounce,” referring to the governor of Florida as “a wounded bird.” Furthermore, the front-runner for the Republican nomination wondered if Reynolds would have a significant role in a DeSantis government.

Wonder What Position Kim Was Promised

“I wonder what position Kim was promised in order to back someone who is so far down in the polls,” he stated. The fact that Trump brought up Reynolds’ popularity seems to be a reference to a recent Morning Consult poll that asked about the approval ratings of every senator, governor, and vice president in the United States. With a 47% approval rating, Reynolds has the highest of all U.S. governors.

Reynolds Remains Popular Among Iowan Republicans

Editorial credit: Rich Koele/Shutterstock.

According to the August Iowa Poll, 81% of Republicans in the state still think highly of Reynolds. The relationship between the former president and Reynolds, who broke her neutrality in the caucuses earlier this month by backing DeSantis, has gotten worse as a result of Trump’s video released on Tuesday. Reynolds has now joined him in his campaign.

Reynolds Branded ”Disloyal”

Following her endorsement, Reynolds was previously referred to by Trump as “disloyal” and he said that it would mark “the end of her political career.” Although he later claimed credit for the governor of Iowa’s 2022 reelection victory, his dissatisfaction with her was evident even before to her endorsement. He had previously said, “I don’t invite her to events” when she stayed neutral in the caucuses.

I Got a Lot of People Elected Here

Editorial credit: mark reinstein/Shutterstock.

And although Trump did not bring up Reynolds during his speech last weekend in Fort Dodge, he did bring up the two senators from Iowa. “I got a lot of people elected here,” Trump declared on March 7. “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.”

Reynolds’ Response

“It’s not about me. It’s about our country,” she wrote. “Ron DeSantis follows through on his promises, can serve 8 years, and has a WINNING record. He’s the most effective leader I’ve ever seen. If you like what we are doing in Iowa, you’ll love what he’ll do for this country!”

You Have to Have Your Head Buried in the Sand

Several well-known Iowa Republicans defended Reynolds on Twitter as well. “You have to have your head buried in the sand to think Governor Reynolds, who just won re-election last year in a blowout, is unpopular.” Hull Representative Skyler Wheeler wrote, “Come on, man.”

Because the Facts Matter

Dr. Cody Hoefert, the former co-chair of the Iowa GOP, released a graphic demonstrating how Reynolds scored better in all 99 counties in her 2022 run than Trump did in his 2020 contest. According to Hoefert, “because the facts matter.” “Kim Reynolds overperformed Trump all across Iowa.”

Exceptionally Revealing

The president and CEO of the social rights group The Family Leader, Bob Vander Plaats, also added his voice. Vander Plaats stated, “While disappointing… exceptionally revealing.” Several media sources predict that Vander Plaats will declare this week that he is also supporting DeSantis.

Trump’s Threats to Reynolds

On November 8, she said that Trump would criticize her for defying his requests for her endorsement in an interview with Gray TV. Reynolds, who spent the weekend campaigning with DeSantis at many events in Iowa, has stated that Trump cannot defeat Democratic President Joe Biden in the general election. She thinks DeSantis is capable.

Reynolds in the Lead With 81%

Image Credit: Hunter Crenian/Shutterstock.

According to an October Des Moines Register Iowa Poll, DeSantis was more popular than Trump among potential GOP Caucus attendees (69%–66%). Out of all the Republican presidential candidates, Reynolds got the highest favorability rating (81%).

Trump Takes Further Digs at ‘DeSanctimonious’

DeSantis was referred to by Trump, who regularly calls those who oppose him names that are disparaging (calling him “DeSanctimonius”). Trump said in the video that he is the reason Iowa’s GOP Caucuses are the best in the country, a title they have maintained since 1976. He also discussed the taxpayer assistance his administration provided to farmers to somewhat offset the losses they sustained as a result of the trade war he instigated with China.

This Could Backfire on Trump

People across the internet shook their heads in disapproval at Trump’s comments. “Iowa’s governor is very popular, this could backfire on Trump. I am so tired of Trump’s constant finger-pointing and name-calling,” said one person.

Time for Donny to Look in the Mirror

More criticized Trump’s threats to the ‘disloyalists’. “There he goes again. If you’re not his loyalist you are the worst person on planet earth. Time for Donny to look in the mirror to see a really pathetic example!” said another person.

Just Spouts His Verbal Dementia

“He just spouts his verbal dementia so his minions will know what to parrot for the day. Trump is the loser on the playground that NO ONE picked for kickball so he has to lash out when it happens in politics too,” said another.