Trump Says DeSantis Will ‘Beg for Mercy’ in Iowa after He Once Voted to Kill a Prized Ethanol Mandate
by Brent D. Griffiths (Business Insider) – Trump slammed Ron DeSantis for previously moving to kill a federal mandate prized by ethanol producers. -Ethanol is a major industry in the politically important state. -As Insider reported, DeSantis supported legislation in 2017 to kill the Renewable Fuel Standard
Former President Donald Trump on Friday slammed Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis over a past move to end a prized ethanol mandate, foreshadowing a likely primary clash to come in Iowa, the state that will kick off the entire process.
“Why on earth (farmer’s love earth!) would the wonderful people of the GREAT State of Iowa vote for Ron DeSanctimonious when he voted and fought to KILL Ethanol (and will definitely do so if given the chance) …” Trump wrote in part in an early morning post on his social media platform, Truth.
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Trump’s screed came just before DeSantis made his post-midterm Iowa debut during a Friday afternoon event in Davenport, Iowa, an appearance to ostensibly promote his new bestselling book. In reality, the event and DeSantis’ entire book tour provide him an ample opportunity to test out a campaign message before his widely expected announcement later this year. Gov. Kim Reynolds, who is not expected to endorse before the Iowa caucuses, introduced DeSantis.
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As Insider previously reported, DeSantis, who was a founding member of the House Freedom Caucus, supported legislation in 2017 that would have immediately ended the Renewable Fuel Standard or RFS.
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DeSantis did not discuss ethanol policy during his Iowa event, rather he received immense applause for recounting his actions during the pandemic. The governor also recounted his tussle with Disney over a parental rights in education law related to when it’s appropriate to teach students about gender identity or sexual orientation. READ MORE
Trump blasts DeSantis on ethanol at Iowa rally (Politico Pro)
Former President Trump talks ethanol, education and takes aim at DeSantis in Iowa speech (KWWL)
In surprise, Trump goes after DeSantis on policy (The Hill)
Trump may be betting too much on the farm (Iowa Capital Dispatch)
Excerpt from The Hill: Trump may face some skepticism from Iowa farmers over his past support for tariffs and trade wars, which during his administration predominantly hurt farmers who were unable to export their crops to China. He also granted ethanol waivers to some smaller fuel refineries while he was president.
A Des Moines Register poll published last week found 80 percent of them hold a mostly favorable or very favorable opinion of Trump, a higher rating than any other potential GOP presidential candidate. Seventy-five percent said they had a very or mostly favorable view of DeSantis. READ MORE