Trump Claims He's Won Iowa Caucuses Twice, But There's Just One Problem

Former President Donald Trump asserted Monday that he has won two Iowa caucuses, despite the fact that he was beaten by Senator Ted Cruz in 2016, a defeat he has long contested.

Trump's claims that he's won two Iowa caucuses come ahead of Monday's caucuses as voters brave sub-freezing temperatures to head out to 1,500 locations across the state. Iowans will vote by secret ballot after hearing a speech from each candidate's representative.

While leaving the Hotel Fort Des Moines Monday, the former president told reporters, "We're going to have a great night, and it's a fantastic place. We've won it twice, as you know. Two elections. I think we're going to have a tremendous night tonight. The people are fantastic, and I've never seen spirit like they have, countrywide. But in Iowa, I've never seen spirit like that."

In 2020, Trump won the Iowa caucus, beating Massachusetts businessman Bill Weld with 97 percent of the vote.

However, Ted Cruz won the 2016 Iowa caucus, taking 27.6 percent of the votes and Trump took 24.3 percent. Senator Marco Rubio came in last with 23.1 percent of votes.

Initially, Trump conceded and congratulated Cruz on his victory, but that quickly changed with Trump rushing to social media to level allegations of fraud against the senator.

"Ted Cruz didn't win Iowa, he illegally stole it," Trump tweeted the day after the 2016 Iowa caucuses. The tweet was deleted and replaced with another claim of fraud.

"Based on the fraud committed by Senator Ted Cruz during the Iowa Caucus, either a new election should take place or Cruz results nullified."

Trump and the other Republican candidates for the 2024 presidential election gathered in Iowa Monday to vie for votes as the region was blasted by sub-freezing temperatures.

Trump has already sounded an alarm about potential "dirty tricks" as fears rose about the elderly, a key demographic, staying home due to the cold weather.

Trump took to social media Monday to say that the caucuses were still on despite the weather.

"It will not be canceled or postponed under any circumstances," he wrote. "Don't listen to any dishonest RINOS [Republicans in name only] or Globalists that say otherwise! You should arrive by 6:30PM, as the Caucus starts at 7:00PM sharp, and you CANNOT be late!"

And on Sunday, the former president told rally attendees in Indianola that they should show up to vote even if they die as a result.

"You can't sit home," Trump said. "If you're sick as a dog...even if you vote and then pass away, it's worth it."

The Iowa caucuses begin at 7 p.m. CST and should conclude around 8 p.m. CST.