Trump Kicks Off 2024 Campaign Travel With New Hampshire, South Carolina Visits

The journey quantities to the primary check of Mr. Trump’s marketing campaign, which he launched greater than two months in the past—sooner than some Republicans thought was smart—solely to remain largely out of public view since. It additionally comes as a handful of nationwide polls present him recapturing some floor he misplaced in current months, although new polls this week in South Carolina and New Hampshire confirmed a wholesome lead for Florida Gov.

Ron DeSantis.

The governor hasn’t entered the race, however is extensively anticipated to take action after the state legislative session ends in Could.

Mr. Trump can also be set to regain entry to Fb, a potent fundraising and messaging software he harnessed in previous elections, although it stays to be seen how he’ll use the platform this time round. His

Fb

and Instagram accounts had been suspended within the wake of the Jan. 6 Capitol riot. He was additionally just lately invited again on Twitter however has but to make use of it, preferring his Reality Social platform.

Many Republican leaders throughout the nation proceed to induce Mr. Trump to step apart, citing the controversies and authorized issues he has confronted and disappointing leads to current elections—together with losses in November by Trump-endorsed candidates in some key Senate and governor races. That sentiment was felt at a Republican Nationwide Committee assembly in California this week, the place

Ronna McDaniel

was re-elected as celebration chair after a race that featured a heated debate over the celebration’s route.

Invoice Palatucci, a longtime RNC member from New Jersey, stated he desires to see the celebration transfer previous Mr. Trump and thinks that’s already within the means of taking place. However he added the celebration must retain the voters Mr. Trump attracted and “persuade the previous president to be constructive, moderately than damaging” because the 2024 presidential subject takes form. 

“His affect is fading, nevertheless it’s unclear if it’s fading quick sufficient,” stated Mr. Palatucci, an ally of former New Jersey Gov.

Chris Christie,

who has instructed Mr. Christie might enter the race.

“I feel a number of us need to see him be the nominee,” Carrie Almond, an RNC member from Missouri, stated of Mr. Trump. “However we additionally need to see who else is on the market.”

Rep. Russell Fry (R., S.C.), who final yr defeated an incumbent Republican who had voted to question Mr. Trump over the Capitol riot, stated voters are craving a return of the previous president’s insurance policies. “He’s bought an extremely loyal following,” stated Mr. Fry, recalling a rally Mr. Trump held within the state final March that attracted 1000’s of individuals regardless of inclement climate. “He’s going to proceed to see that stage of enthusiasm.”

Mr. Trump, 76 years outdated, is the one declared candidate however is predicted to get competitors within the coming weeks and months. Mr. DeSantis has come closest in hypothetical matchups and has attracted probably the most celebration leaders and main donors wanting to show the web page.

New Hampshire Gov.

Chris Sununu

is one other potential contender and has been crucial of the previous president. In an interview, he stated Mr. Trump shouldn’t anticipate to dominate his state as he did within the 2016 main, following a loss within the Iowa caucuses, noting different hopefuls have already visited.

“They’re coming to New Hampshire as a result of they know the first-in-the-nation main needs to be earned. You’ll be able to’t take something as a right,” Mr. Sununu stated. 

A College of New Hampshire ballot launched this week confirmed Mr. DeSantis getting 42% of doubtless GOP main voters, vs. 30% for Mr. Trump. Others lagged properly behind. A South Carolina ballot additionally confirmed Mr. DeSantis with a big benefit.

In South Carolina, Mr. Trump can be obtained by a few of his staunchest backers, together with Gov.

Henry McMaster

and Sen.

Lindsey Graham.

The state’s different Republican senator, Tim Scott, has been mulling a doable presidential bid. So, too, has former Gov. Nikki Haley, who has stated she is shut to creating a choice. Neither is predicted to attend the Trump occasion, held on the State Home with about 500 folks invited.

“President Trump will unveil his management groups, which is able to present the numerous assist he has from grass roots leaders to elected officers,” his spokesman, Steven Cheung, stated. “He has continued to dominate within the polls and there’s no one else who can generate the kind of enthusiasm and pleasure like President Trump.”

—John McCormick contributed to this text.

Write to Alex Leary at alex.leary@wsj.com