Trump widens lead over GOP rivals in Iowa and battleground states

Trump Support Swells , Ahead of Iowa Caucus. NBC reports that former President Donald Trump has widened his lead over GOP rivals, earning 51% of the first choice support in Iowa. . According to the latest NBC News/Des Moines Register/Mediacom poll, Trump's current lead has been fueled by Republicans who believe he can defeat Joe Biden. Despite Trump's dominant lead, the poll showed that a sizable number of voters remain open to considering Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis or former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley. Despite Trump's dominant lead, the poll showed that a sizable number of voters remain open to considering Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis or former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley. Despite Trump's dominant lead, the poll showed that a sizable number of voters remain open to considering Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis or former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley. 51% of likely Republican caucusgoers gave first-choice support to Donald Trump, while 19% sided with DeSantis and 16% went with Haley. 51% of likely Republican caucusgoers gave first-choice support to Donald Trump, while 19% sided with DeSantis and 16% went with Haley. Entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy came in a distant fourth with 5% and former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie came in at fifth with 4%. Entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy came in a distant fourth with 5% and former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie came in at fifth with 4%. In October, the same poll had Trump ahead by 27 points, a lead he increased to 32 points in the most recent poll. The poll found that Trump's support included 51% of evangelical Christians, 59% from self-identified Republicans and 63% of first-time caucusgoers. NBC reports that not all winners of the Iowa caucus go on to win the GOP presidential nomination, however, GOP rivals view the state as a chance to prevent Trump from gaining momentum. 46% of those polled said they could still be convinced to change their mind and back another candidate. However, the poll also found that among those who say they would support Trump, 70% say their minds are made up. A significant 73% of those polled said they believe that Trump could defeat Joe Biden despite the various legal challenges facing the former president. . A significant 73% of those polled said they believe that Trump could defeat Joe Biden despite the various legal challenges facing the former president.