Just under three years after leaving office, former President Donald Trump has taken the first step in his potential return to the White House with a resounding win in the Iowa caucuses, NBC News swiftly projected Monday evening. As predicted in poll after poll leading up to the caucuses, Trump left his nearest rivals in the dust with his speedy victory, besting former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley and obliterating Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.
Despite its legendary status in America's political culture, the Iowa caucuses have a less than stellar track record when it comes to picking presidential nominees. But since the emergence of the modern presidential primary system, there's never been a race like this year's. Trump didn't just win in Iowa; he won massively, likely shattering the record for margin of victory. It is a landslide that serves as an endorsement of the constant drumbeat for vengeance that Trump has made the centerpiece of his campaign.
Trump has suffered many legal setbacks lately, but having to write a big check to New York Times reporters will likely bother him more than most. Read more.