Ron DeSantis Trolled At Iowa Event With ‘Participation Trophy’: ‘Proud Of You For Trying’

Days before the Iowa caucuses, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis was trolled by an individual at a campaign stop with a “participation trophy.”

The Saturday incident occurred after DeSantis completed a town hall with supporters in Atlantic, Iowa. The unidentified individual walked up in front of the cameras towards DeSantis while holding an award.

“Governor DeSantis I want to present to you this participation trophy,” the man said as the crowd began to laugh. At first, both DeSantis and his wife Casey DeSantis appeared amused by the stunt.

“Now you’re probably not going to win the election but we’re proud of you for trying,” the man continued before DeSantis interjected, “I don’t do participation trophies, sorry buddy.”

The man responded, “He’s special, he’s unique, and he’s our little snowflake.” Members of DeSantis’ security then quickly ushered the man away from the cameras out of the event.

Watch the interaction below:

📍Atlantic, Iowa — a man came up to DeSantis at his town hall & tried to hand him a participation trophy. He said DeSantis he “probably won’t win the election.” He also called DeSantis “our favorite snowflake.” pic.twitter.com/fTEY9Y4kM9

— Samantha-Jo Roth (@SamanthaJoRoth) January 13, 2024

DeSantis attempted to move on from the situation after refusing to take the gift, but some members of the audience could not hold back their laughter following the prank.

According to Real Clear Politics, former President Donald Trump holds a commanding lead in Iowa despite millions of dollars spent by the DeSantis campaign. In the coming days the DeSantis camps hopes they can finish second ahead of former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley.

Political analysts and pundits have speculated that DeSantis needs to upstage Haley on Monday night in order to have any hope continuing in the Republican primary. RCP shows Haley with a slight lead over the Florida governor with 17.8% support against DeSantis at 15.5%.

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