Trump and DeSantis to Speak at GOP Dinner in Iowa, Addressing Influential Audience
Former President Donald Trump and Republican rival Ron DeSantis both made appearances at an Iowa presidential campaign event, marking the first time they have appeared together. Trump, the frontrunner for the 2024 GOP nomination, attended the Iowa Republican Party fundraiser a day after being charged with additional counts related to his retention of classified documents. He is also expecting to be charged soon in Washington over his efforts to overturn the 2020 election. DeSantis, who has emerged as Trump’s strongest rival, has been trying to revive his campaign and is focusing his efforts on Iowa. However, he has faced criticism from teachers, civil rights leaders, and some Black elected officials over new standards in Florida that require teaching about the skills developed by enslaved people. South Carolina Senator Tim Scott also held a town hall in Iowa, drawing praise from attendees, and took a swipe at DeSantis over the issue of slavery. Vice President Kamala Harris also made a stop in Iowa, discussing abortion rights and criticizing Republicans for their attack on rights and freedoms. The event highlighted the critical moments both Trump and DeSantis are facing that could reshape the direction of the race.
