Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has predicted that former President Donald Trump will claim election fraud if he faces defeat in any of the upcoming Republican primary elections. DeSantis, a contender for the Republican presidential nomination, anticipates that Trump would seek to “delegitimize” any results not in his favor, echoing similar tactics used against Ted Cruz in 2016.

As the Iowa caucuses loom, marking the first major Republican contest on January 15, DeSantis addressed concerns about Trump’s potential response to unfavorable outcomes. “If Trump loses, he will say it’s stolen no matter what, absolutely,” warned DeSantis, emphasizing the former president’s inclination to dispute election results. He drew a parallel to Trump’s past behavior, noting that Trump contested outcomes, “even when ‘The Apprentice’ didn’t get an Emmy.”

The backdrop of Trump’s persistent claims of victory in the 2020 election and the belief among a significant portion of GOP voters that President Biden’s election was illegitimate adds complexity to the political landscape. A recent survey by The Associated Press found that nearly 60 percent of Republican voters share this viewpoint.

DeSantis, who has been positioning himself as a strong contender in the 2024 campaign, has faced accusations from the Trump campaign, alleging attempts to “rig” the Iowa caucuses. These claims stem from comments made by DeSantis’s wife, Casey DeSantis, encouraging out-of-state supporters to participate, which was later clarified as a call for volunteers.

The dynamics of the Republican primary race highlight Trump’s current lead over DeSantis and other rivals in national polling. According to a RealClearPolitics poll average, Trump commands 60.3% support, while DeSantis trails at 12.6%. The upcoming Iowa caucuses on January 15, 2024, are expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of the candidates’ campaigns.

While DeSantis faces an uphill battle against Trump’s significant lead, a strong win for Trump in Iowa could solidify his position, potentially hindering DeSantis’s presidential ambitions. On the other hand, a victory for DeSantis in Iowa could inject much-needed momentum into his campaign, which has struggled to surpass Trump’s commanding presence in the polls. As the primary season kicks off, the political landscape remains dynamic, with all eyes on the unfolding drama within the Republican ranks.