Fight Erupts Between Trump Supporters and DeSantis Super PAC Officials at Iowa State Fair

Tensions flared between supporters of Donald Trump and those aligned with the DeSantis-allied super PAC, Never Back Down, at a

Nik Richie

Aug 13, 2023

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Tensions flared between supporters of Donald Trump and those aligned with the DeSantis-allied super PAC, Never Back Down, at a bar in downtown Des Moines the night before both camps convened at the Iowa State Fair. Witnesses recounted a heated exchange that ensued between the two groups, fueled by disputes over Trump-themed hats worn by patrons.

As the bar patrons donned Trump’s “Back to Back Champ” Iowa State Fair Hats, reminiscent of his 2016 caucus win (though inaccurately so), Never Back Down official Erin Perrine was said to have challenged them, asserting, “You know you lost.” This led to a fiery shouting match, characterized by colorful language, yet no physical altercation.

The discord echoed the broader animosity prevailing between Trump and DeSantis supporters throughout the primary season. Their ideological divide manifested in their attire as DeSantis backers sported navy blue shirts featuring the Never Back Down logo, while Trump loyalists wore white “Team Trump” shirts and waved signs proclaiming “President Donald J. Trump. Back to Back Iowa Champ.”

The hostility spilled over to the Iowa State Fair, where DeSantis was met by a chorus of Trump supporters attempting to disrupt his appearances. Amidst the charged atmosphere, Matt Wells, a DeSantis operative, disparaged Trump supporters as “degenerates.” The supporters engaged in direct politicking as those wearing Never Back Down shirts approached fairgoers to advocate for DeSantis over Trump.