Iowa caucus 2024: Donald Trump wins first Republican contest, delivers speech at Des Moines

While Donald Trump won the Iowa caucus, Ron DeSantis took the second place, and Nikki Haley finished third

People arrive before Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump speaks at a caucus night party in Des Moines, Iowa, Monday, Jan. 15, 2024.(AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais) (AP)

Donald Trump’s iron grip on the Republican Party has been clear since the day he announced he would make another run for the White House 14 months ago. It can be seen in the party's ideological shift even further to the right on cultural issues and, especially, on immigration policy....Read More

Follow all the updates here:

• 16 Jan 2024, 12:28:52 PM IST

  Joe Biden calls Donald Trump ‘clear front runner’ after Iowa caucus win

• 16 Jan 2024, 12:03:05 PM IST

  Donald Trump says it's ‘time’ for America to ‘come together’

  After winning the Iowa caucuses, Donlad Trump said he believes that "this is time now for everybody, our country, to come together" whether a person is "a Republican or a Democrat or liberal or conservative."

  "If it would be so nice if we could come together and straighten out the world and straighten out the problems and straighten out all of the death and destruction that we're witnessing, that's practically never been like this," he said.

  "It's just so important. And I want to make that a very big part of our message," the former president added. "We're going to come together. It's going to happen soon too."

• 16 Jan 2024, 11:25:09 AM IST

  Nikki Haley says Iowa made Republican Primary a ‘two-person race’

  Nikki Haley has now turned her attention to New Hampshire after coming third in the Iowa caucuses. As per a CNN poll conducted by the University of New Hampshire, Haley stands within even percentage points of Donald Trump, who won the Iowa caucuses.

  "When you look at how we're doing in New Hampshire, in South Carolina and beyond, I can safely say tonight Iowa made this Republican Primary a two-person race," Haley said

• 16 Jan 2024, 11:01:31 AM IST

  Ron DeSantis reacts to taking second place in Iowa caucuses: ‘We got our ticket punched’

  Ron DeSantis appreciated Iowa voters after taking second place in the caucuses. “They threw everything but the kitchen sink at us,” DeSantis said. “They even called the election before people even got a chance to vote,” he added as the crowd booed.

  “Because of your support, in spite of all of that they threw at us, everyone against us, we got our ticket punched out of Iowa,” the governor said.

• 16 Jan 2024, 10:51:28 AM IST

  Ron DeSantis clinches second place in Iowa caucuses

  Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has taken the second place in the Iowa Republican caucuses, a race call by The Associated Press said. Nikki Haley took the third place.

• 16 Jan 2024, 10:30:06 AM IST

  Vivek Ramaswamy says he will attend a New Hampshire rally with Donald Trump

  After dropping out of the race, Vivek Ramaswamy said that he has decided to attend a rally in New Hampshire with Donald Trump. "There needs to be an America First candidate in this race,” Ramaswamy said. "Going forward, he will have my full endorsement for the presidency."

  “Tomorrow we're likely — I'm going to appear with Donald Trump at a rally in New Hampshire to lay out what I see and what we see for the future of the country,” he added.

• 16 Jan 2024, 10:19:12 AM IST

  When Donald Trump attacked Vivek Ramaswamy ahead of Iowa caucuses

  Two days before the Iowa caucuses, Donald Trump criticised Vivek Ramaswamy publicly for the first time. "Vivek started his campaign as a great supporter, 'the best President in generations,' etc. Unfortunately, now all he does is disguise his support in the form of deceitful campaign tricks," Trump wrote on his social media platform, Truth Social.

  The attack stemmed from shirts saying 'Save Trump, Vote Vivek' that Ramaswamy's campaign had been handing out. Ramaswamy posted a photo with a group of men wearing those shirts, which came to Trump's notice.

• 16 Jan 2024, 10:08:39 AM IST

  Vivek Ramaswamy quits 2024 presidential race, endorses Donald Trump

  After a poor performance in the Iowa caucuses, the first contest of the 2024 Republican presidential race, biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy announced on Monday that he is dropping out of the campaign….Read More

• 16 Jan 2024, 09:47:48 AM IST

  Trump congratulate DeSantis, Haley, and Ramaswamy

  

  Republican presidential candidate and former U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during his caucus night watch party in Des Moines, Iowa, U.S., January 15, 2024. REUTERS/Brian Snyder (REUTERS)

  With a substantial portion of the vote already secured, Trump took to the stage to express gratitude to his supporters and family, acknowledging the fierce competition for second place between Nikki Haley and Ron DeSantis.

  Extending appreciation, he thanked U.S. senators and representatives who made the journey to Iowa, then proceeded to offer congratulations to his opponents. In his words, "I want to congratulate Ron and Nikki for having a good time together; we're all having a good time together. They both did very well."

  Trump also commended Ramaswamy, stating, "Ramaswamy did a hell of a job."

• 16 Jan 2024, 09:40:22 AM IST

  Senior campaign official believes DeSantis will stay in the race

  A senior campaign official informed CNN that Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is committed to staying in the 2024 race, asserting, "He's earned his ticket out of Iowa."

• 16 Jan 2024, 09:38:17 AM IST

  Trump thanks ‘great people of Iowa’

  Addressing the audience from his campaign headquarters in Des Moines, Iowa, after the projected victory in the state's caucuses, former President Donald Trump expressed gratitude, stating, "Above all, we want to extend our thanks to the wonderful people of Iowa."

  He continued, "I genuinely believe it's now time for everyone, our nation, to unite together."

• 16 Jan 2024, 09:29:46 AM IST

  Now Trump speaks at Des Moines

• 16 Jan 2024, 09:29:30 AM IST

  Haley campaign says nothing

  As precinct results stream in from across Iowa, revealing a competitive race between Nikki Haley and Ron DeSantis for the second spot, a source close to Haley's campaign indicates that they are content with the current state of affairs, aligning with their expectations.

  Amidst gatherings at her campaign headquarters in West Des Moines, Haley's team is maintaining a guarded stance, refraining from commenting on the emerging numbers in the Iowa caucuses.

• 16 Jan 2024, 09:20:01 AM IST

  Trump's GOP rivals split voter support

  Once again, the sentiment echoes among many Iowa Republicans witnessing Donald Trump's decisive triumph tonight, dashing hopes that the state could impede his steady march toward the nomination.

  GOP contenders Ron DeSantis and Nikki Haley find themselves entrenched in a fierce battle for second place, yet if the substantial margin of victory endures, Trump stands as the primary beneficiary of the divided vote.

  "Does it even matter?" queried a prominent Iowa Republican to CNN. "Tonight is a Trump coronation."
  Iowa has adhered to its traditional role of winnowing the field and potentially anointing the Republican nominee. Trump is poised to shatter two records: surpassing George W. Bush's 41% winning figure and eclipsing Bob Dole's 13-point victory in 1988.

• 16 Jan 2024, 09:02:32 AM IST

  Haley says 'you don't defeat Democrat chaos with Republican chaos'

  In an address to caucus-goers in Des Moines, Iowa, Nikki Haley urged them to elect a "conservative new generational leader" while pointing out the need for voter courage to focus on the ultimate goal of defeating President Biden.

  She stated, "If you want to move forward with no chaos. If you want to move forward with no more vendettas. If you want to move forward with a sense of hope … join us in this caucus. I ask for your vote, and my promise to you is I will make sure every day I focus on what it takes to make you proud."

  Haley and Ron DeSantis are locked in a closse battle for second place in the Iowa caucuses.

• 16 Jan 2024, 08:56:35 AM IST

  Trump will speak in Des Moines, says advisor

  Former President Donald Trump, officially declared the winner of the Iowa Caucuses by the Associated Press and other organizations, is set to speak to his supporters at the campaign's watch party in Des Moines at 9:30 p.m. CT, as confirmed by a senior advisor.

• 16 Jan 2024, 08:53:56 AM IST

  Trump supporters celebrate victory

  Supporters of Donald Trump at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines, Iowa, were mildly surprised by the early call on Monday night, but not stunned.

  “He was going to win anyway, so it’s not a big deal,” said Vickie Froehlich, 69, a farmer from Kenyon, Minn., who came down to join the celebration. Froehlich dismissed the idea that the quick call was a form of “election interference.”

  “The caucuses were already happening,” she said.

  “They had their minds made up.”

• 16 Jan 2024, 08:49:56 AM IST

  Biden seeks fundraises amidst projected Trump victory in Iowa

  President Biden's campaign wasted no time seizing on Trump's projected win in Iowa on Monday night, swiftly reaching out to supporters with a call to "protect all of the progress" achieved during his administration and secure his stay in the White House for another four years.

  According to the email sent out by the campaign, "The Iowa results are in, and it's clear: Donald Trump is the official frontrunner for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination."

  In response to the results, President Biden emphasized the need for increased efforts, stating, "We need to work even harder now."

• 16 Jan 2024, 08:41:08 AM IST

  Disruption hits Caucus site in Des Moines

• 16 Jan 2024, 08:35:51 AM IST

  DeSantis and Haley in a close race for second place

  

  Nikki Haley and Ron DeSantis

  As the 34% of the Iowa caucus vote count, former President Donald Trump maintains a substantial lead, securing 51.9% of the votes.

  Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis continues to secure the second-place position with a 20.7% share of the vote, while former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley maintains a hold on the third spot with 19% of the caucus vote.

  Vivek Ramaswamy commands 7.7% of the vote, and former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson trails behind with a minimal 0.2% share of the votes.

• 16 Jan 2024, 08:32:32 AM IST

  Donald Trump says ‘I am greatly honored’ by the early call

  Former President Donald Trump expressed being "invigorated" and "greatly honored" in response to CNN's projection of his victory in the Iowa caucuses.

  In an interview with Fox News Digital, Trump conveyed his satisfaction, stating, "I feel great. I am greatly honored by such an early call."

  Reflecting on the swift announcement of his win, Trump remarked, "It really is an honor that, minutes after, they’ve announced I’ve won — against very credible competition — great competition, actually."

  The former president underscored the significance of the moment, saying, "It is a tremendous thing and a tremendous feeling."

• 16 Jan 2024, 08:16:23 AM IST

  How did Donald Trump secure a so early win?

  Less than an hour after the doors closed, the Associated Press declared Donald Trump the winner of the 2024 Iowa Caucuses precisely at 7:31 pm local time. The decision was reached with only eight counties reporting their results, employing a blend of entrance polling and survey data from planned voters conducted by AP.

  These eight counties, as per AP, mirrored the demographics and political ideology of other sizable precincts yet to disclose their results. The call by AP was substantiated by analysis from elections experts, researchers, and seasoned race callers.

• 16 Jan 2024, 08:12:48 AM IST

  Trump secures 49.5% of Caucus votes as only 6% of ballots are tallied

  With a mere 6% of the Iowa caucus votes tallied, former President Donald Trump commands the lead, securing approximately 49.5% of the vote.

  Following closely in second place is Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, capturing 22.4% of the early results.

  Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley is in third place, not far behind, with a substantial 20.6% share of the votes.

  Vivek Ramaswamy claims 7.1% of the vote, while former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson lags behind, rounding out the field with just 0.2% of the votes.

• 16 Jan 2024, 08:05:03 AM IST

  Donald Trump Jr. cheers for his father's win at Iowa Caucus

  Donald Trump Jr. claimed that his father’s victory on Monday night was undeniable, no matter how small the gap. He accused Donald Trump’s rivals of trying to prolong the primary race by setting up unrealistic standards, noting that the highest ever win in a competitive Republican caucus was Bob Dole’s 12-point lead.

  He said to reporters at the Franklin Jr. High caucus site in Des Moines, “I’d love to have it be a good victory. But everyone says he’s gonna win by statistically impossible margins. And then if he does one point less than that – which would be an absolute drubbing – they’ll say, ‘He underperformed! There’s blood in the water!’”

  Barron Trump also cheered for his dad.

• 16 Jan 2024, 07:54:01 AM IST

  Trump calls the upcoming election the ‘most important election in the history’ of US

  Donald Trump visited Iowa and urged voters to support him. He said, “This is the beginning of something very important. I think it’s the most important election in the history of our country.” He praised his Iowa wins and called Biden “the worst and most corrupt president in the history of our country.”

• 16 Jan 2024, 07:51:45 AM IST

  Trump wins Iowa Caucus

  Donald Trump won the first Republican Presidential contest, Iowa Caucus with 3000+ votes.

• 16 Jan 2024, 07:48:29 AM IST

  DeSantis crossed the Haley hurdle

  Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis someone ends in second position with 1,243 votes.

• 16 Jan 2024, 07:44:45 AM IST

  Iowa Caucus-goers hear Nikki Haley's call for a ‘new generational leader’ in America

  Nikki Haley, a GOP presidential hopeful, appealed to Iowa voters for a “new generational leader” who can move past the “negativity and chaos” of the past. She touted her experience as a governor and a diplomat and claimed she can beat Biden by double digits. However, several media outlets predicted that Trump will win the Iowa caucuses.

• 16 Jan 2024, 07:25:17 AM IST

  Trump leads with 983 votes, Ramaswamy almost off the chart

  Donald Trump leads the Caucus with 983 votes in pocket. Nikki Haley also surpassed Ron DeSantis with a 100+ lead. Vivek Ramaswamy and Chris Christie are off the chart with 120 and 7 votes respectively.

• 16 Jan 2024, 07:19:32 AM IST

  Donald Trump will win Iowa Caucus, report claims

  According to the Associated Press and various other media outlets, Donald Trump is forecasted to win the Iowa Caucus.

• 16 Jan 2024, 07:16:44 AM IST

  Trump keeps mum on Tuesday's E. Jean Carroll trial attendance, saying, 'we'll see'

  Former President Donald Trump avoided answering reporters’ questions about his plans to attend his trial in New York, where he is accused of defaming columnist E. Jean Carroll.

  “We’ll see,” Trump said as he left a hotel in Des Moines to visit a caucus site.

  Trump was accompanied by several advisers and was expected to go to New York after the caucuses.

  Trump will also visit New Hampshire for events this week.

• 16 Jan 2024, 07:08:09 AM IST

  Iowa is colder than Alaska

  Des Moines is currently colder than Alaska, with temperatures in Iowa lower than those in Utqiaġvik, America's northernmost town situated 3,000 miles away in the Arctic Circle.

• 16 Jan 2024, 07:06:08 AM IST

  Biden campaign gears up for a tough and close re-election fight

  Biden’s campaign co-chair Katzenberg was confident in front of reporters on Monday. He said the campaign had raised $97 million last quarter and that the GOP primary was the “race for the MAGA base”. He claimed the Republican nominee would be too late to catch up with Biden. But Biden’s advisers and allies told CNN the re-election would be very close and tough. They admitted their economic message was not working. They also said voters were not focused on the 2024 race yet.

• 16 Jan 2024, 07:03:13 AM IST

  What's happening in the Caucus

  Iowa caucuses began at 8 p.m. ET in Clive with a pledge and a prayer. Bad weather lowered turnout in Des Moines. CNN reported only 50 out of 200 expected voters came. Some were first-timers. Two students in Ames supported DeSantis for his communication and actions in Florida.

  One voter said, “I really appreciate how he is respectful and the way he treats people and interacts. I really respect that and I want that in my leader.”

• 16 Jan 2024, 06:56:13 AM IST

  In November, Joe Biden set to compete against Donald Trump or Trump ‘mini me’: Report

  

  President Joe Biden braces to face Donald Trump (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta) (AP)

  President Joe Biden’s campaign advisers are ready to take on Trump or his “mini-me’s” - GOP candidates like Haley and DeSantis - in the fall.

  Illinois Gov. Pritzker, a Biden supporter, said Trump’s party has the same “anti-freedom, anti-democracy ideas” regardless of who leads it. Biden’s campaign thinks contrast is key to win and wants to show voters how bad the alternative is.

  Pritzker also accused the GOP candidates of “espousing Adolf Hitler’s ideas, denying that the Civil War was about slavery, or demonizing and discounting the rights of large groups of Americans.”

• 16 Jan 2024, 06:49:30 AM IST

  Trump faces ‘climate criminal’ chants from environmentalists; counters with ‘go home to mummy’

  On Tuesday, a group of environmentalists interrupted former President Donald Trump’s campaign rally in Iowa on Sunday. They accused him of being a “Trump, climate criminal” and demanded that he take action to protect the planet.

  The former president did not address their concerns and instead told them to “Go Home To Mummy”. He continued his speech as the activists were escorted out of the venue…..Read More

• 16 Jan 2024, 06:43:36 AM IST

  Council bluffs Iowa caucus site faces ballot shortage amidst surging turnout

  A large number of voters is turning out at Kirn Middle School in Council Bluffs, Iowa, surpassing the organizers' expectations. Exhausting the pre-printed ballots, they are now distributing yellow sheets of paper from small legal pads for voters to record their choices. Additional chairs are being set up to accommodate the influx.

  Mary Ann Hanusa, overseeing logistics at the site, stated that individuals in line.

• 16 Jan 2024, 06:29:16 AM IST

  Iowa Caucusing 2024 begins at 7 p.m. Central time