A recent Reuters Ipsos poll, conducted between the end of March and early April, shows former President Donald Trump expanding his lead over rivals for the Republican presidential nomination ahead of the 2024 election, despite ongoing criminal charges related to payments to a former adult film actress. This finding comes as the campaign landscape continues to evolve under intense nationwide scrutiny.
Among self-identified Republicans, Trump was favored by 48 percent to secure the party’s presidential nomination, up four percentage points from the prior survey conducted in March. This shows a notable widening of his advantage within the party, even as legal proceedings unfold in multiple jurisdictions.
Meanwhile, his closest opponent, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, experienced a swing that erased a previous edge, dropping from 30 percent to 19 percent. Other candidates remained far below the top two, gathering only single-digit support in the poll results. The shift underscores the dynamic nature of support within the GOP, where candidates’ positions can rise or fall rapidly in response to headlines and ongoing investigations.
The timing of the poll coincided with news that marked the first ever criminal charges against a former U.S. president in connection with a payment arrangement intended to address an alleged affair. The revelation prompted national discussion about legal accountability and political impact, with a broad segment of Americans weighing the possibility that the payment was made in a political context rather than a personal matter.
Public Opinion on Allegations Against Trump
Looking at the broader public, the survey found that 71 percent of Americans questioned believed it possible that the money was paid, including 58 percent of Republicans. At the same time, 51 percent of respondents, including 80 percent of Republicans, viewed the allegations as politically motivated. These figures reflect the ongoing tension between legal proceedings and political narratives, as voters assess credibility and potential implications for the campaign and governance.
In separate political discourse, DeSantis faced criticism for a March 13 remark about Ukraine and Russia, where he suggested that avoiding entanglement in a territorial dispute should be considered a matter of national interest. Trump has since intensified his criticisms of DeSantis, who has not formally announced his candidacy but is widely anticipated to pursue the nomination. The exchange illustrates how foreign policy positions and rhetorical stances can influence voter perceptions during the primary season.
As the campaign moves forward, observers note the persistent volatility of support and the role that legal headlines, policy positions, and campaign organization play in shaping the electorate. The race remains a focal point of national political debate, with millions following every development for signals about the eventual nominee and the broader direction of the party.
rm/PAP
Note: This summary reflects poll findings and public commentary as reported through multiple press outlets and observers during the period cited. It is presented to offer readers a clear view of the evolving dynamics in the Republican contest and related political discourse without endorsing any particular outcome.