DES MOINES, Iowa (Gray Media Iowa Capitol Bureau) – Iowa was the first state to set President Donald Trump on the course back to the White House with his win in the Iowa Caucuses. Now, the state’s political leaders are reacting to Trump’s inauguration.
The Republicans are thrilled. Most of the state’s Republican leadership is in Washington for the festivities. That includes Governor Kim Reynolds, members of Congress and House Speaker Pat Grassley.
When Trump took the oath of office Monday, Republican Party of Iowa Chair Jeff Kaufmann says he felt “surreal disbelief”.
“I think it probably hit home today when he was specifically in his speech outlining, I’m going to sign this, I’m going to sign this, I’m going to sign this. I actually think that’s when reality set in that, that okay, this is going to happen now,” Kaufmann said.
Johnson County Democrats Chair Ed Cranston says he appreciated that the transfer of power was peaceful, but he wasn’t a fan of the speech
“I’d say it was disappointing but not surprising. I just viewed it as another dark campaign speech by a man who feels he has a mandate. Though, he didn’t receive the majority of votes cast and he only won by one and a half percent,” Cranston said.
Cranston says more people are reaching out to the county Democratic party to see how they can help since Trump’s victory.
Trump has a significant advantage in pushing forward his plans. Republicans hold majorities in both the US house and senate. The GOP majority in the house is one of the smallest in history, though.
Kaufmann says he thinks Trump will still be able to successfully pass his agenda.
“I think the momentum is his to lose. I think the helium is his to let out of the balloon. And I think having already served as president for four years. I think he’s, I don’t think that’s going to happen,” he said.
Trump claims that his victory is a mandate from the American people, but Cranston says Trump overestimates his margin of victory.
“Things are stacked in Trump’s favor to get things done but, but again, he’s working as if he’s got a mandate, and I think the American people don’t feel he has a mandate,” he said.
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Conner Hendricks covers state government and politics for Gray Media-owned stations in Iowa. Email him at [email protected]; and follow him on Facebook at Conner Hendricks TV on X/Twitter @ConnerReports, and on TikTok @ConnerReports.
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