Reynolds: Trump 'misleading Iowans' with recent ads of her

BETTENDORF — Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds told a Bettendorf audience this week that former President Donald Trump is "misleading Iowans" with his campaign's recent ads highlighting her past praise.

Reynolds this fall endorsed Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis for the GOP presidential nomination — and has faced Trump’s ire for it.

Earlier this month, Trump's campaign launched a six-figure ad buy in Iowa that touts Reynolds' past support for Trump. The TV spot features a montage of Reynolds applauding Trump and his administration's policies at previous rallies.

In a Monday campaign event for DeSantis, Reynolds said Trump was "misleading Iowans" and that she has "absolutely endorsed Ron" and is proud of her endorsement.

"He thought he was entitled to my endorsement and nobody is entitled to anything," Reynolds said. "You have to step up. You have to earn it, you have to make your case."

Trump has said he thought Reynolds should have endorsed him after he said he aided her election wins in 2018 and 2022.

Reynolds said she did supported Trump in 2016 and 2020, but said the country needs a leader now "that's not distracted."

"I supported President Trump in 2016. I voted for him. I supported him in 2020. I agreed with his policies," Reynolds said Monday. "But it's a different day, it's a different time. And we need a leader that doesn't have — that's not distracted. We need somebody that's focused, somebody that's disciplined, somebody that has a record of getting things done. It is a different time. It is time for a new leader, it is time for a leader that can win. And most importantly, it's time for a leader that can serve eight years, not just four."