Trump wins Iowa as Republican primary cycle kicks off

Former president vows to end wars swiftly and rein in China

Republican presidential candidate and former U.S. President Donald Trump reacts during his caucus night watch party in Des Moines, Iowa on Jan. 15. © Reuters

KEN MORIYASU, Nikkei Asia diplomatic correspondent

January 16, 2024 11:16 JST

Updated on January 16, 2024 15:05 JST

WASHINGTON -- Donald Trump won the Iowa caucuses, the first of the Republican primary cycle, U.S. media reported Monday night.

The former president dominated the initial round of the 2024 Republican primaries, taking around 50% of the vote. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis took second, with former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley coming in a close third. The third-place finish was a disappointment for Haley, who had been climbing in polls and had hoped to separate herself as the clear alternative to Trump.