One of the leading Republicans in Iowa slammed former President Donald Trump for declining an invite from the state's governor to join her for a political interview at one of the first major events in the 2024 presidential election cycle.
Iowa House majority leader Matt Windschitl slammed Trump in a Friday opinion piece over his decision to decline an invite from Gov. Kim Reynolds (R-IA) to join her for a series of GOP Republican presidential candidate conversations at the Iowa fair this weekend. He claims that it reveals a lack of interest in engaging with Iowa GOP voters and a failure to recognize one of Iowa's "proudest traditions."
UP FOR DEBATE: TRUMP, DESANTIS, AND 2024 GOP HOPEFULS' STANCE ON CLIMATE AND GREEN AGENDA
"With such open hostility for someone so well regarded in our state, Trump revealed a petty vindictiveness unbecoming of a former president. It still is deeply disappointing to those of us who used to support him," Windschitl wrote. "He's attacking someone who has capably led this state, and in doing so, he's spitting in the faces of Iowa Republicans who have stood with him through thick and thin."
"Put simply: If he's too chicken to talk to our Governor, how can he possibly win the presidency?"
Reynolds seemed unaffected by Trump's decision to decline her interview.
"I mean that's his decision, I invited him; we would love to do it, so the candidates are going to make their own decisions, and it is what it is," the Iowa governor told the Daily Mail.
Trump attacked Reynolds in July after a New York Times article revealed her close relationship with Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL). Reynolds previously said she would not endorse any of the presidential candidates in the Republican primary.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
“I opened up the Governor position for Kim Reynolds, & when she fell behind, I ENDORSED her, did big Rallies, & she won,” Trump wrote in a Truth Social post. “Now, she wants to remain ‘NEUTRAL.’ I don’t invite her to events! DeSanctus down 45 points!”
Trump and DeSantis are set to arrive at the fair on Saturday. The other candidates have already arrived at the event, where they are speaking to voters and engaging in Reynolds's "fair-side chats."