Trump Views DeSantis as Strongest GOP Challenger in 2024

Former president attacks leading rival in first 2024 Iowa trip
Most polls show Trump leading potentially crowded GOP field

Ron DeSantis and Donald Trump.
Photographer: Mark Wilson/Getty Images

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By Mario Parker, Jennifer Jacobs, and Mark Niquette

March 13, 2023 at 8:43 PM UTC

Updated on

March 14, 2023 at 1:05 AM UTC

This article is for subscribers only.

Former President Donald Trump said he considers Ron DeSantis as his strongest potential challenger for the Republican nomination and attacked the Florida governor during his first 2024 campaign stop in Iowa.

“I would say probably so, but you never know what happens. It could change,” Trump in response to a question about DeSantis from reporters aboard his plane en route to Iowa. “I think we’re not going to have much of a challenge.”