Trump Returns with Victory in First Primary

[iNews24 Kim Da-woon Reporter] Former U.S. President Donald Trump won the first 2024 Republican presidential contest on the 15th (local time), securing 51% of the vote.

On the coming 15th (local time), former President Donald Trump is expected to give a speech at the “watch party” of the Iowa Caucus, the first primary of the Republican Party in the United States. Former President Trump previously earned victory with an overwhelming first place with 50.9% of the votes counted at 85%. AFP=Yonhap News

As expected, the first Republican primary in the United States, the Iowa Caucus, ended in an overwhelming victory for former President Donald Trump on the 15th (local time). Flaunting his confidence, Trump gave a speech, emphasizing unity. Ron DeSantis, Governor of Florida, and former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley seemed to accept the results but at the same time showed their determination to continue competing in future caucuses and primaries.

At a victory celebration held in Des Moines, Iowa that day, former President Trump said, “I think now is the time for all of us to come together. Whether it’s Republican or Democrat, progressive or conservative, it would be great if we could fix the world together.” He then emphasized his election slogan, saying, “We will put America first and make America great again.”

Although he had said harsh words against his competitors just last week, calling them ‘idiots’ and the like, this time Trump praised them saying, “Both did very well,” showing his composure. He also praised Vivek Ramaswamy, who had dropped out of the race after the caucus, saying, “He did an amazing job getting about 8% of the votes from scratch.“

He then used the opportunity to criticize President Joe Biden in connection with the current surge in illegal immigration in the United States. Former President Trump said, “Many illegal immigrants are invading our country, and I don’t understand why they (Democrats) think that’s a good thing.” He added, “I will close the border once I get re-elected). I don’t want to be harsh on President Biden, but he is the worst president in American history.“

Meanwhile, Governor DeSantis, who surprisingly came in second after visiting all 99 counties in Iowa, did not hold back his usual critical attitude towards mainstream media. Governor DeSantis said, “They have been writing articles for months saying that we are finished. But despite such sabotage, we secured delegates in Iowa.”

Former Ambassador Haley, who came in third after being pushed by Governor DeSantis, said, “I want to congratulate former President Trump on his victory,” but at the same time stressed the need for a ‘generation change,’ saying “It’s time to choose a new generation of conservative leadership.” Former Ambassador Haley said, “Both Trump and Biden have put our country in trillions of dollars of debt, and our children will never forgive them.” She pointed out, “70% of Americans do not want a ‘rematch’ between Trump and Biden.”

By. Dawoon Kim