"Evangelical Leader's Bold Response to Trump's Actions"

Bob Vander Plaats, an influential Iowa evangelical leader, has responded to Donald Trump's criticism after endorsing Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis for the 2024 Republican nomination. Vander Plaats' endorsement could boost DeSantis in Iowa's Republican caucus, where evangelicals are a crucial voting bloc. Trump accused Vander Plaats of "scamming" candidates and criticized him for backing a candidate who is "going nowhere." Vander Plaats defended his endorsement, stating that he lives by higher standards and that Iowa will choose DeSantis over Trump. Trump's campaign also attacked Vander Plaats and Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds for their support of DeSantis.