Even though he is currently facing numerous criminal charges, former President Donald Trump has won the Iowa Caucus, and the indictments may be a key reason why.
While many experts expected former President Trump to see a fall in support after being indicted four times last year, his base has instead become even more devoted, raising millions for his campaign and continued support.
That support was seen even further on Monday night when Trump beat his next closest opponent, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, by 30 points, with more than 50% of the total vote.
Despite below-zero temperatures and extreme winter conditions, Trump still encouraged his supporters to go out and vote for him on Monday night.
“You must go caucus tomorrow,” Trump said at a campaign rally. “You can’t sit home. If you’re sick as a dog... even if you vote and then pass away, it’s worth it.”
Trump’s victory was historic, marking the largest win since Bob Dole in 1988. That victory was the only other double-digit win in a caucus that didn’t have an incumbent running but was only won by 12 points, less than half of Trump’s victory.
When looking at whether or not Trump’s criminal indictment could hurt him, at least two-thirds of Iowa Republicans shared that they thought he would be fit to be president even if he is convicted of any of the charges brought against him, NPR reported.
But the indictments aren’t the only extra attention that Trump has received as of late.
In fact, Trump boasted last year that the cases to remove him from the 2024 ballot in several states have boosted his popularity.
“To be honest with you, I’m much more popular now than I would have been if they didn’t do it,” Trump said to a crowd of his supporters while speaking in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
The case in Colorado saw the state’s high court rule Trump was ineligible to run for office because of the insurrectionist clause in section three of the 14th Amendment.
That case is now being appealed to the United States Supreme Court, where justices will make the final decision.