"Evangelical Leader Questions Trump's Strong Support in Iowa, GOP Primary Heats Up"

Influential Iowa evangelical leader Bob Vander Plaats expressed skepticism towards recent polls showing strong support for former President Trump among evangelical voters in Iowa, stating that it does not align with what he is hearing on the ground. Vander Plaats, who recently endorsed Gov. Ron DeSantis, believes that Trump's lead is closer to the low 40s rather than the reported 54 percent. He attributes Trump's support to his name recognition and past actions, adding that some evangelicals appreciate his disruptive nature. Vander Plaats emphasized the importance of DeSantis performing well in the upcoming Iowa caucuses to potentially challenge Trump's bid for a second term.