- News networks called the result for Trump 33 minutes after caucuses opened
- It meant that voting in dozens of precincts had not even started
The campaign of Ron DeSantis slammed the early call in the Iowa caucuses on Monday evening, when a string of media organizations announced a win for Donald Trump within minutes of voting starting.
It meant the forecast was broadcast before some precincts had even begun casting votes.
‘Absolutely outrageous that the media would participate in election interference by calling the race before tens of thousands of Iowans even had a chance to vote,’ said DeSantis campaign spokesman Andrew Romeo.
‘The media is in the tank for Trump and this is the most egregious example yet.’
DeSantis expected to be locked in battle with former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley for second place.
Republican presidential candidate Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, right, greets supporters following a campaign event at Jerseys Pub and Grub in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Monday
A spokesman for the Desantis campaign slammed the early decision
And although Trump was the odds on favorite for overall victory, the speed with which the networks called the race took many observers by surprise.
Fox News and CNN both released their forecasts with just 33 minutes after polls opened, and after only 319 votes had been counted.
They were able to make their early forecasts using entry polling data, asking caucus-goers who they planned to support at they arrived.
‘I’m at a precinct that hasn’t even voted yet, and the media are trying to call the race for Trump,’ tweeted Jeremy Redfern, the Florida governor’s press secretary.
None of that bothered the Trump camp.
‘The people of Iowa sent a clear message tonight: Donald Trump will be the next Republican nominee for president. It’s now time to make him the next president of the United States,’ said Alex Pfeiffer, communications director for Make America Great Again Inc.
And campaign spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt even ridiculed Haley for continuing to campaign.
‘Nikki Haley still desperately pitching herself to Iowans after the race was called for President Trump in less than 30 minutes is next level CRINGE,’ she posted.
DeSantis had gambled much of his campaign on a solid result in the conservative state, where many voters identify as evangelical Christians.
Early caucus results – as of 9PM eastern time – show Trump with a clear lead
Workers count votes a caucus at Franklin Junior High on January 15, 2024 in Des Moines, Iowa
He visited all of its 99 counties and a third-place finish could be enough to drive him out of the race.
Against that backdrop, the Trump campaign has been eager to turn the screw and crush his rivals.
Shortly before being named the winner, Trump delivered a speech at a caucus site in Des Moines.
‘I would appreciate your vote. I think I deserve it,’ he said.
‘We were a great nation three years ago and today people are laughing at us.’