Iowa caucus 2024: Donald Trump seeks to spark New Hampshire support after day in court

Thanks for joining us for the 2024 Republican Iowa caucus, and our efforts to sift through the competing political narratives after Donald Trump's commanding victory yesterday. We will do it again soon, as the New Hampshire primary is only next Tuesday.

The Iowa win will undoubtedly give a boost to the former president in his effort to obtain the Republican nomination. Trump received more than 50% of the vote, muting his two closest rivals, and causing two other competitors to drop out of the race.

Rivals campaign with more contests to come

Nikki Haley, who served as Trump's UN ambassador, came into a close third behind Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. She appears to be her old boss's closest challenger in New Hampshire, and went directly from Iowa to that state to speak to supporters. She has her work cut out for her, as Trump enjoys a sizable lead.

DeSantis, meanwhile, skipped the immediate visit to New Hampshire and travelled to South Carolina - where Haley served as governor. It was a clear shot across the bow for a rival he hopes to boot from the race, and it appears to be part of his larger strategy to energise conservative and evangelical voters.

Where was Trump in all this?

After relishing his Iowa win yesterday, the former president spent today in a Manhattan courtroom. Trump faces a defamation damages case brought by writer E Jean Carroll, who accused him of raping her decades ago.

Once a jury was picked, Trump skipped opening statements to head for his own rally in New Hampshire. There's reportedly a long line of supporters already at the venue, braving a cold rain and icy conditions to see their candidate.

We'll find out next week whether Tump's rivals can find some method, beyond the frigid weather, to dampen his supporters' spirits.