Trump accuses DeSantis of spreading “Missing Melania” flyers at Iowa college football game

09/14/2023 / By Ramon Tomey

Former President Donald Trump has accused Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, his rival for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, of spreading “Missing Melania” flyers during a college football game in Iowa.

The former president shared an article by conservative activist Laura Loomer on his Truth Social account. Loomer wrote in the article that campaign staffers for DeSantis “passed out flyers” attacking former First Lady Melania Trump. The flyers featured an image of Donald’s wife, with bold red letters spelling out the word “missing.”

“Have you seen this woman? Where is our First Lady? Why is Donald Trump hiding her? We miss her,” the message on the flyers said. It also urged readers to call the telephone number indicated on the handbill – incidentally the phone number to Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence.

Loomer dubbed the move “a shameless and classless political stunt” on the Florida governor’s part. “Obviously angered by the fact that he garnered no attention from attendees, as Trump stole the spotlight from thousands of sports fans, DeSantis’s campaign staff passed out flyers attacking … Melania,” she continued.

Not satisfied with the flyers, DeSantis also reportedly “harassed” Melania by flying a banner over the stadium where the game was held. Just like the handbills, the banner read: “Where’s Melania?”

“It’s important to remember that DeSantis currently trails Donald in Iowa Republican primary polls by a substantial 37 points,” Loomer pointed out. “Additionally, 51 percent of voters said Donald would be their first pick among candidates in the crowded 2024 GOP primary – according to a survey conducted by Iowa State University and polling form Civiqs.”

“His latest attempt to harass and intimidate the former first lady only shows how desperate DeSantis has become in his quest to undermine the MAGA [Make America Great Again], America First movement. DeSantis has abandoned the state of Florida, a state which is currently one massive hurricane away from a complete insurance market and housing collapse.”

Desperate DeSantis smears Melania

Following the news of the flyers looking for Melania, speculation arose that the Florida governor’s campaign team was behind it as both presidential candidates were present at the game. Some believe, however, that the flyers were in response to an earlier action by the Trump campaign.

During the Iowa State Fair, the Trump campaign flew an aerial banner over the event that called on DeSantis to “be likable.” The banner referenced rumors of DeSantis being stiff on his campaign trail and having trouble connecting with voters.

According to the Daily Express, the former first lady “has maintained a low profile” since returning to Mar-a-Lago following the 2020 elections. She was notably absent in all four of her husband’s criminal arraignments, and she hasn’t been spotted in any of his campaign stops. Nevertheless, Melania has backed her husband’s attempt to return to the White House for a second term.

Loomer also took a swipe at DeSantis’ lackluster campaign despite having a huge war chest. “Though DeSantis may have large corporate donors, his campaign continues to bleed cash and support,” she wrote. “His lackluster, gutless and weak performance at the first Republican debate only cemented his status as the Jeb Bush of 2024.” (Related: Reeks of desperation: DeSantis super-PAC “secretly” asks for $50M in donations to beat Trump in Republican primary.)

“DeSantis has shown that he will do quite literally anything to become president. Unfortunately for DeSanctimonious, all of the money in the world and all of Rupert Murdoch’s men couldn’t make [him] likable again. He will never be able to afford the personality transplant he desperately needs, and he will never be able to regain the trust of the MAGA, pro-Trump base.”

Loomer concluded that DeSantis himself “is standing in his own way.” She pointed out that “his unlikable character; odd and awkward behavior; lack of social skills; and his willingness to compromise and flip flop on key policy issues have created an incredibly unpopular presidential candidate and a governor worthy of national contempt and disdain.

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