Trump campaign furious about Iowa evangelical leader's endorsement of DeSantis

Trump's campaign is claiming Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis paid six figures to secure an influential Iowan's endorsement.

Bob Vander Plaats, who as president and CEO of The Family Leader holds a vast sway in Iowa's evangelical circles, officially endorsed Florida DeSantis on Tuesday as the Jan. 15 Iowa Caucus nears.

"Thrilled to endorse @RonDeSantis for President of the United States," Vander Plaats wrote, adding a "#ChooseWell2024" hashtag.

He told Fox News: "You need a president who's gonna surround themselves with the best and brightest people versus having a hard time attracting them again. And someone who's actually going to do what they say they're going to do."

"And I just think he's got the spine to do it. And I think he's got the experience to win for us."

DeSantis boasted about Vander Plaats' shot in the arm to his effort in the state to engage its "faith community in the key battles that matter."

"His support tells Iowans they can trust me to fight and win for them," he wrote in a tweet next to a snap of the two grinning ear-to-ear. "The road to America’s revival starts in Iowa, and we will get the job done."

But the union was sniffed at by Team Trump.

"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."

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

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The reference to Gov. Kim Reynolds is because she earlier this month backed DeSantis to lead the party and defeat President Joe Biden next November.

Raw Story has reached out to Vander Plaats for comment about the $100,000 donation quid pro quo accusation made by Trump's campaign.

DeSantis along with the other GOP candidates vying for the White House trails the 45th president by large margins both in Iowa and nationally.