MAQUOKETA, Iowa >> Donald Trump launches a fall press campaign on Wednesday to secure the support of thousands of Republican caucusgoers in early-voting Iowa. The former president faces high expectations in his bid for a White House comeback.
Although Trump has campaigned less frequently in Iowa compared to his 2024 rivals, he plans to make five visits to the state by the end of October. These visits aim to convert his commanding lead in the Iowa polls into committed supporters and volunteers. Trump’s campaign intends to achieve a massive victory that would halt his rivals’ momentum and effectively end the primary on caucus day.
Speaking to a crowd of over 1,000 people in Maquoketa, a small town in Iowa, Trump confidently predicted, “In less than four months from now, we’re going to win the Iowa caucuses in a historic landslide.” He urged the attendees to support him in the Jan. 15 caucuses and encouraged them to bring friends along.
Displaying his team’s commitment to better organization in Iowa, Trump acknowledged the mistakes of his previous campaign and expressed his determination to avoid second place.
Supporters from across northeast Iowa lined up outside the expo building at the Jackson County fairgrounds well before Trump’s arrival. His campaign aimed to collect signed cards from the crowd, which don’t bind voters to a specific candidate but provide valuable contact information for voter outreach and volunteer recruitment.
Inside the hall, tables promoted signing up for campaign text messages, and screens displayed the caucus schedule and participation guidelines.
Trump also criticized his 2016 loss at the start of his speech, attributing it to the shortcomings of his previous campaign team. However, he emphasized his determination to secure a victory this time around.
Maquoketa, a small town in eastern Iowa, played host to Trump’s first event. In 2016, this region switched its allegiance from Democratic President Barack Obama to Trump.
At a second event in Dubuque, Trump took aim at Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, whom he considers his main target. Trump highlighted his administration’s efforts to assist Iowa farmers and crack down on illegal immigration. He even recited a poem about a woman who shelters a snake, only to be bitten, drawing a parallel to what he believes is happening in the country.
Before leaving town, Trump made a surprise visit to Kathy’s Treehouse Pub and Eatery, delighting over a hundred people gathered there. He interacted with supporters, signing dollar bills, caps, and even the tank top and arm of a woman who bartends at the establishment. Trump handed out boxed pizzas and received enthusiastic cheers from the crowd as they sang along to “God Bless the U.S.A.” by Lee Greenwood.
Trump has made a total of seven visits to Iowa this year, headlining policy and political events. However, he has chosen not to attend key multicandidate events hosted by influential social conservative groups in Iowa, an important demographic in the caucuses.
Despite Trump’s more limited schedule compared to some of his rivals, his team has been active in his absence. They have collected over 27,500 pledge cards, including more than 10,000 at the state fair, and have amassed over 200,000 voter contacts, including calls.
Trump remains the frontrunner for the Republican nomination, even as he faces four separate indictments and dozens of criminal charges. Republican strategist David Kochel, who has advised several presidential campaigns, acknowledges Trump’s enduring lead in Iowa.
Trump’s campaign spokesman, Steven Cheung, emphasizes their determination to fight for every vote and ensure a successful campaign.
Tracie Kelly, a 48-year-old mother who home-schools her children, attended the event with her family. After filling out a pledge card committing to caucus for Trump, Kelly expressed her support, stating, “He might not say the right things all the time, but he speaks for our beliefs.”
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Associated Press writer Jill Colvin in New York contributed to this report.
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