The Iowa State Fair was overshadowed by the presence of former President Donald Trump, stealing the spotlight from Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. Media outlets and attendees were captivated by Trump’s arrival, with spectators being drawn away from DeSantis to witness the spectacle of Trump’s aircraft flying overhead. Even before his actual arrival, Trump’s aura commanded attention in Des Moines.
A video posted on social media by Washington Post reporter Joyce Koh captured the moment, highlighting how Trump’s presence outshined DeSantis. The video showed the aircraft soaring over the fairgrounds, diverting the focus towards the former president.
ABC News campaign reporter Lalee Ibssa documented the enthusiastic chants of MAGA Republicans, who proclaimed their love for Trump and expressed their desire for his return. These demonstrations took place as DeSantis and his family left a building at the fairgrounds. Despite DeSantis’s extensive campaign efforts across the state, the overwhelming response from the crowd underscored Trump’s enduring popularity among certain segments of the Republican base.
The cheers and chants of “Four more years!” greeted Trump’s arrival, dominating the atmosphere of the fair. It was evident that Trump’s draw remained strong, with the enthusiastic crowd expressing their desire for his return to the political forefront.
Meanwhile, DeSantis, who is also a Republican presidential candidate, has experienced fluctuations in polling numbers since earlier this year. In contrast, Trump’s support has seen a significant increase. The polling averages show Trump’s popularity rising from 46 percent in March to an impressive 54 percent, while DeSantis’s support has declined to just 15 percent. This decline has also resulted in DeSantis slipping to third place in a recent national survey.
According to the Cygnal poll released last week, Trump now commands the backing of 53 percent of likely GOP voters. Entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy secured 11.4 percent support, while DeSantis received 10.4 percent backing, on the verge of single digits. As the political landscape continues to evolve, the dynamic between Trump and DeSantis will be a central point of analysis and discussion within the Republican Party.