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Trump's Capitol Hill allies call on Haley and DeSantis to drop out 

January 16, 2024
Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., arrives before Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump speaks at a caucus night party in Des Moines, Iowa, Monday, Jan. 15, 2024.(AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., arrives before Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump speaks at a caucus night party in Des Moines, Iowa, Monday, Jan. 15, 2024.(AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

WASHINGTON — A series of pro-Trump, GOP House members told CNN on Monday that former President Donald Trump's victory in Iowa should send a clear signal to his Republican rivals: It's time to drop out.

“It’s been real. You know, tip your waitresses on the way out, but this primary is over," Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida told CNN at Trump's watch party in Des Moines on Monday night.

"This race is over. Donald Trump has consolidated the Republican Party. Ron DeSantis was getting his mail forwarded here. Like he had moved here. What is his argument to continue this campaign?" Gaetz said.

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene echoed that sentiment. "They should drop out," the Georgia Republican said. "I think donor money is really important. And political consultants are pretty good at talking candidates into staying in races way longer than they actually should."

Rep. Ronny Jackson of Texas told CNN he thinks Iowa is a turning point for the race, and hopes more of his GOP colleagues on Capitol Hill will now fall in line behind the former president and endorse him.

"It's inevitable in my mind that he's gonna be the nominee. And I just want to see my friends and colleagues get on board,” Jackson said.

Gaetz, Greene and Jackson were part of a broader group of Trump surrogates who flocked to Iowa to rally the former president's supporters. — CNN


January 16, 2024
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