'Trump's lead in Iowa is fragile': Evangelical leader who endorsed DeSantis

Bob Vander Plaats says he picks winners.

And given the GOP's last election's subpar effort earlier this month — he wants to show he can win again.

"Endorsing @RonDeSantis is familiar territory for me," the president and CEO of The Family Leader tweeted, two days after officially backing Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis to become the GOP's 2024 nominee and ultimately the 47th president of the United States.

The influential Iowan claims his political prognosticating has paid off in spades before.

"Huckabee ‘08 was suppose to get crushed by Romney. Santorum ‘12 as well," Plaats added in the same post. "Cruz ‘16 was to get crushed by Trump. On #Caucus night, they all won. In Iowa, media and polls don’t pick our winner. Iowans do!"

He added the now familiar hashtag "#ChooseWell2024." In another post, he says, "You can tell Trump’s lead in Iowa is fragile by his Team’s reaction..."

The move had DeSantis, who already boasts Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds’ “historic” endorsement, going on his social media channel to splash a photo of him and Plaats wearing big grins, and touting his inroads with Iowa's "faith community in the key battles that matter."

"His support tells Iowans they can trust me to fight and win for them," DeSantis added.

Trump's camp was quick to undermine the endorsement, using an unflattering dollar sign to toy with his name and accusing the Florida governor of a quid pro quo to the tune of $100,000 to win Plaats' support.

"Over 150 faith leaders in Iowa are organizing their congregations for President Trump and not a single one demanded nearly $100K like Bob Vander Plaat$ did from Ron DeSanctus," reads the campaign's official response. "When you are actually a leader of a movement like President Trump is, people are willing to support you for free."'

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"Kim Reynolds' endorsement won't save Ron DeSanctus, and neither will Wander Plaat."

Plaats poked fun at the insinuation that his leanings can be bought.

"Nope...my endorsement isn't, wasn't and never has been for sale," he posted in a tweet that seem to be addressed directly to the 45th president. "But, then you already knew that...didn't you? The fact is @RonDeSantis earned my endorsement and, soon, he will earn an Iowa Caucus Victory."