Trump's Dominance in GOP Continues Despite Legal Challenges

Efforts by rivals and legal battles fail to significantly erode former president's standing as Iowa caucuses approach.

Despite facing 91 criminal charges and being declared ineligible to appear on the ballots of Colorado and Maine, former President Donald Trump remains a dominant force in the GOP, frustrating some voters in Iowa who are eager for a competitive campaign.
Trump's rivals, including Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley, are working to convince voters that his victory isn't inevitable, but many voters find it unlikely that these efforts will notably erode Trump's standing.
Trump's controversial rhetoric towards immigrants and his attempts to overturn the 2020 presidential election have done little to deter his base of support. He has argued that he's been indicted on behalf of his supporters and accused President Joe Biden of harnessing the power of government against a political rival.
Trump is stepping up his campaign efforts in Iowa, holding four campaign events over two days in early January. If successful, he may be on a path to a race that few Americans appear eager to embrace.
Nearly 3 in 10 U.S. adults, or 28%, say they would be dissatisfied with both Trump and Biden becoming their parties’ respective nominees, according to a recent AP-NORC poll.