After the Associated Press and other sources called the Iowa Caucuses for former President Donald Trump in 2024, former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley urged caucusgoers to rethink.
Haley, who trails Trump in state and national surveys, spoke Monday night at a Des Moines caucus. The former US ambassador claimed the GOP needs a "new generational leader," referring to the former president, adding "you don’t defeat Democrat chaos with Republican chaos."
I trust you all. Students in Iowa do homework. Haley stated they see their problems. More importantly, you're patriotic, God-fearing, hardworking Americans, and this is your moment to speak up. You can bring our nation back on track."
Haley failed to finish second in Iowa later that night. Governor Ron DeSantis placed second, ahead of Haley and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, who suspended his candidacy.
"I am greatly honored by such an early call," Trump told Fox News. "It really is an honor that, minutes after, they’ve announced I’ve won – against very credible competition – great competition, actually."
Trump Jr. claimed after Haley that reelecting his father will improve the country at the Des Moines caucus. Trump Jr. accused Haley of seeking to involve the U.S. military in global conflicts.
"If they want to be in every war in the history of the world, they should vote for Nikki Haley," added the congressman. "If they want to get back to peace and prosperity the choice is clear that it’s Trump."
A spokeswoman for the DeSantis campaign made fun of the early demands for Trump's victory that were made by news organizations including the Associated Press, CNN, and NBC News.