racial progress, South, Mississippi, Texas, Georgia

Report Reveals Best States For Racial Progress

According to WalletHub analysis, Georgia, Texas, and Mississippi are the top three states that have achieved racial progress over time.


Ahead of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, WalletHub’s 2024 “States with the Most Racial Progress” ranking points to the South with the most racial progress.

According to the analysis, Georgia, Texas, and Mississippi are the top three states that have achieved racial progress over time. WalletHub’s findings were uncovered by measuring the gaps between Black and white residents in the 50 states and the District of Columbia across four key categories: Employment & Wealth; Education; Social & Civic Engagement; and Health.

The poverty rate for Black Americans was 34.7% in 1968. In 2022, the official poverty rate of the U.S. Black population reached a historic low of 17.1%, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

“When people are forced to become preoccupied with more basic elements of survival, thoughts about investing for the future—whether their own or that of future generations—can seem to be much more abstract and therefore not a priority,” Patricia Davis said in the study.

She continued: “I would guess that some of the southern states are probably more successful, as that region is the center of African American identity and there are more Black people there, which has lead to better opportunities to engage in the economic activities that lead to wealth.”

Top 10 States for Racial Progress in Employment and Wealth, 2024

Source: WalletHub Data / Note: Metrics include median annual household income, labor-force participation rate, unemployment rate, homeownership

GEORGIA

Ranked No. 1 on the study’s list, Georgia has reduced the gap between the earnings of white and Black Americans by over 32% since 1979. This rate marks the most significant reduction in the nation, WalletHub said. On another note, the Peach State has also decreased the gap in business ownership by over 11% since 2002 and is among the few states that have reduced the poverty rate of Black residents.

“It’s a sense of pride that Georgia is at the top of that list, particularly since it is the birth, the cradle of the Civil Rights Movement,” Andrea Waters King, president of the Drum Major Institute, a civil rights think tank, told Axios. She is also the daughter-in-law of the late Martin Luther King Jr.

TEXAS

Texas is ranked No. 2 as the nation’s leader in reducing the gap in health insurance coverage between Black and white residents. The Lone Star State saw a more than 13% reduction rate since 1995 and a decrease in the education gap. 

MISSISSIPPI

At No. 3, Mississippi has seen the highest reduction in the poverty rate gap by nearly 27% since 1970. It also leads the nation in closing the gap in high school education. It remains ambitious in closing the gaps in healthcare, entrepreneurship, and equality in voter turnout. 

Rodney, lawsuit, Jones, producer, lawsuit, Diddy, Delon, Ciroc, Diego, wine, spirits, racism, black

Diddy Settles Legal Dispute With Diageo, No Longer Has Ties To Cîroc Or DeLeón

Diddy might be experiencing a drastic fall from grace, but he saw one slight win after settling his lawsuit with alcohol giant Diageo.


Diddy may be experiencing a drastic fall from grace, but he had one slight win after settling his lawsuit with alcohol giant Diageo.

On Tuesday, Jan. 16, Sean “Diddy” Combs” and Diageo announced an end to their yearlong legal dispute over their business partnership turned sour, Variety reports. The Bad Boy founder sued Diageo, accusing the company of racism for failing to support marketing agreements for his Cîroc vodka and DeLeón tequila compared to the other spirit brands it owns.

Now, a joint statement confirms the business ties between both parties have been severed.

“Sean Combs and Diageo have now agreed to resolve all disputes between them. Mr. Combs has withdrawn all of his allegations about Diageo and will voluntarily dismiss his lawsuits against Diageo with prejudice,” read a statement attributed to both parties.

“Diageo and Mr. Combs have no ongoing business relationship, either with respect to Cîroc vodka or DeLeón tequila, which Diageo now solely owns.”

Combs filed the suit in the New York Supreme Court in Manhattan in May 2023, accusing Diageo of neglecting Cîroc and DeLeón and not giving it the same marketing and promotion as it did its other distributed spirit brands like Johnnie Walker and Captain Morgan. The racism claims were made when Diddy accused Diageo of marketing Cîroc and DeLeón as “urban” rather than spirits for the general market. 

Diddy claims Diageo treated Cîroc and DeLeón “worse than others because he is Black,” Billboard reported.

Diageo called for a dismissal of the suit. The company confirmed it would no longer work with Diddy, claiming the hip-hop mogul failed to meet his contractual obligations.

Combs has been removed from any further involvement in Cîroc and DeLeón as part of the terminated business partnership. It was 2007 when Combs Wines and Spirits struck a marketing agreement with Diageo for the marketing and promotion of Cîroc. In 2013, Diageo and Combs Wine teamed back up to co-purchase DeLeón.

The settlement between Diageo and Combs comes as Diddy faces multiple accusations of sexual assault. After quickly settling just 24 hours after his longtime romantic partner Cassie sued him in November for sexual assault, sex trafficking, and abuse, he was hit with three more lawsuits by three different women who made similar allegations. Diddy released a statement denying all allegations and vowing to clear his name in court.

The weekend, The blinding lights, song, Spotify, 4 billion, streams, streaming

The Weeknd ‘Humbled’ That ‘Blinding Lights’ Is The First Song To Hit 4 Billion Streams On Spotify

The Weeknd is completely “humbled” that his song “Blinding Lights” made Spotify history by becoming the first song on the platform to reach 4 billion streams.


The Weeknd is completely “humbled” that his song “Blinding Lights” made Spotify history by becoming the first song on the platform to reach 4 billion streams.

On Friday, Jan. 12, Billboard announced the new milestone.

“I’ll never stop being humbled by anything I create making its way to millions of people let alone billions!” The Weeknd told the outlet. “I’m so thankful this song makes people feel a way that they keep going back to listen.”

Released in November 2019, “Blinding Lights” was the second single from The Weeknd’s (real name Abel Tesfaye) fourth studio album, After Hours. It quickly climbed the charts, spending four weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and becoming the first song to remain in its top 10 for an entire year.

In November 2021, “Blinding Lights” dethroned Chubby Checker’s classic 1960 hit “The Twist” as the all-time No. 1 Hot 100 song. It also sat atop Billboard’s Greatest of All Time Hot 100 chart.

In December 2022, the song surpassed Ed Sheeran’s “Shape of You” to become the most-streamed song on Spotify. The Weeknd is the No. 1 artist on Spotify, with 113 million monthly listeners. In February 2023, he became the first artist to hit 100 million monthly listeners on the platform.

“The Weeknd continues to reach new heights year after year on Spotify,” Jeremy Erlich, Spotify’s global head of music, told Billboard. “This is one of many records he has broken with us. As our platform continues to grow globally, his music reaches more and more people, and his fandom deepens. The success of ‘Blinding Lights’ is a prime example that nothing connects people more than music. It’s an exceptional song in a class of its own.”

With The Weeknd reaching 4 billion in streams, it equates to betweem $15.5 million and $17.5 million in royalties, and another $4.5 million or so in publishing, Variety reported.

ice cube

Ice Cube Honored At Basketball Hall Of Fame With Ice Cube Impact Award

Ice Cube got a huge honor at the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame when he received the first-ever Ice Cube Impact Award. 


Ice Cube was honored at the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame when he received the first-ever Ice Cube Impact Award. 

On Sunday, Jan. 14, the rapper, actor, film producer, and BIG3 co-founder received an award named in his honor that celebrates his contribution to local communities through the game of basketball, WWLP reports. Ice Cube, real name O’Shea Jackson, received the very first award for his passion for basketball and commitment to education and community development through the sport.

“I’m the first recipient, but I’m not the last, you know? Every year, we’re gonna pick somebody that deserves this award, and I’m honored,” Ice Cube said. “Never in a million years did I think what we were doing would land us in the Hall of Fame.”

With the induction of the Ice Cube Impact Award, a game changer will be recognized and honored each year for their community contributions through the game of basketball.

“It’s really about upholding standard,” Ice Cube said. “To find those deserving to be in here and display their work as well.”

He also teased plans to expand his Big3 league all over the globe.

The Friday creator shared his happiness to receive the award in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, after the ceremony.

“Had a remarkable time at the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame today. So honored to see the trophy and exhibit for The Ice Cube Impact Award,” he wrote. “Can’t wait to reward people in the future who positively impact us through the game of basketball. Thank you @Hoophall.”

Last week, Cube thanked the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame for creating the award in his honor.

“Shoutout to the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame for creating the Ice Cube Impact award,” he tweeted. “Looking forward to accepting the first award on January 15th. Can’t wait to see others who are committed to making a positive impact receive the award in future years.”

Rick Ross, watch, fake, Audemar

Rick Ross Honored With Key To The City Of Miami, But Urges Memphis To ‘Put The Guns Down’

Rick Ross touched down in his hometown in Miami to accept the key to the city and used the opportunity to encourage his brothers in Memphis to “put the guns down.”


Rick Ross touched down in his hometown in Miami to accept the keys to the city and used the opportunity to encourage his brothers in Memphis to “put the guns down.”

The “Hustlin” rapper was honored at the 5000 Role Models’ Dr. MLK Jr. Scholarship Breakfast in Miami on Monday, receiving the key to the City of Miami from Mayor Francis Suarez and Congresswoman Frederica Wilson, TMZ reports.

“I just want the youngsters to know, you have the attention of the entire world. You can never imagine the value that you actually carry. You can never imagine how much you’re really worth,” Ross said, as captured by KTVZ.

Ahead of the event, Ross took to social media to acknowledge the honor and send out a public service announcement to residents of the city of Memphis to stop the gun violence. 

“I’m headed to an event titled ‘5000 Role Models’ where we acknowledging the young leaders, the young kings, our young brothers. We gotta empower the brothers,” he says to the camera.

“And while I’m speaking on this, our brothers in Memphis, I need y’all to know it’s only one way to wisdom and wealth, and that’s through each other.”

Ross continued. “Put the ski mask down. Put the guns down. Let’s embrace each other. Let’s show that love. Rest in peace to all our good brothers, man.”

His message came just days after Yo Gotti’s brother, Anthony “Big Jook” Mims, was fatally shot outside a restaurant in Memphis, Fox 13 Memphis reports. Police believe the shooting was a targeted attack.

Ross’ message to the city of Memphis appears to be in response to Jook’s murder. Ross later attended the 31st annual 5000 Role Models event on MLK Day, which honors the partnership between local men in the community and the young male students within the Miami-Dade and Broward County schools.

All the men in attendance at 5000 Role Models, which was founded by Congresswoman Wilson, wore red ties and held hands to symbolize their solidarity to amplify the next generation of male leaders.

“This benefits young men by raising funds to send them to college; it also validates why they had to struggle to get to this place. It’s not easy being a boy in America today, especially a little Black boy,” said Wilson.

The money raised at the breakfast helps Wilson Scholars seniors, all college-bound.

Drea Kelly, R.Kelly, book

R. Kelly Takes Issue With $10.5 Million Lawsuit Awarded To Six Women

R. Kelly is pushing back against a $10.5 million lawsuit he lost against six women claiming to be his victims.


R. Kelly is pushing back against a $10.5 million lawsuit he lost against six women claiming to be his victims.

It was August 2023 when the disgraced singer lost a $10.5 million lawsuit filed by six women who appeared in the Surviving R. Kelly docuseries and claimed to face death threats for hosting a December 2018 screening of the docuseries in New York City, TMZ reports. The women sued Kelly, real name Robert Kelly, and his former manager, Donnell Russell, claiming they were behind the mass shooting threats to shut down the screening.

However, Kelly is attempting to fight the lawsuit since he allegedly had no idea it occurred. According to the “I Believe I Can Fly” singer, he would’ve defended himself against the lawsuit’s claims if he’d known about it.

With Kelly behind bars serving his 30-year sentence in North Carolina’s Butner Federal Prison, the singer says he is in over his head with criminal cases and finding it hard to keep up with everything.

The “I Wish” singer also notes the change in legal representation since he’s been locked up and believes the $10.5 million lawsuit must’ve slipped through the cracks or failed to be delivered to his jail cell.

If Kelly did perhaps receive the lawsuit, he would’ve needed his lawyers to read it to him since “I cannot read or understand words beyond that of a grade schooler,” he notes.

The Grammy Award-winning singer also claims Russell was never his manager and had no idea he was trying to shut down the NYC screening.

If Russell did make a mass shooting threat to shut down the screening, “he did that for his own reasons,” Kelly claims.

There is no word on whether a judge will reconsider the August ruling and prevent the six women from being awarded the $10.5 million.

Kick Off The New Year With A Fete At St. Croix Christmas Carnival

Kick Off The New Year With A Fete At St. Croix Christmas Carnival

The Crucian Christmas Festival has been a treasured tradition since the 1800s. Here's why you should add it to your travel plans.


The New Year celebrations shouldn’t stop on New Year’s Eve. You can keep the party going into the first week of January, all while enjoying the beautiful blue skies and waters during the height of the winter season. 

The Caribbean is known for celebrating Black excellence all year long, especially during its variety of Carnivals hosted in countries throughout the West Indies. St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands is among the Caribbean islands that hold its annual carnival right at the start of the new year.

Dubbed the Crucian Christmas Festival, the nearly two-week-long event runs from Dec. 26, 2023, through Jan. 6, 2024. The holiday carnival has been a treasured tradition since the 1800s when enslaved Africans were given time off to celebrate Christmas. They would dress up in homemade costumes and dance through the streets.

The carnival takes place on the 1st Friday and Saturday of the New Year, with the Children’s Parade taking place this year on Friday, Jan. 5, and the Adults Parade being held on Saturday, Jan. 6.

Among the events leading up to the big carnival day included seven days of free concerts featuring top local and international acts, including Cool Session, Charlie Aponte, Destra, Nadia Batson, Adam O, Capleton, Edwin Yearwood & Krosfyah, Karnage, and Dexta Daps. Organized by the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism and Division of Festivals, this year’s event included beloved cultural events featuring the Prince, Princess, Dutch, and Duchess Show, Queen Pageant, and Soca Monarch. The Division of Festivals also hosted the first-ever Kid Ville event, celebrating the island’s youngest residents.

The annual Food Fair at the Frederiksted Pier showcased the vibrant flavors of Crucian cuisine, featuring a range of delights from patties to seafood. Attendees had the opportunity to participate in the highly competitive “war of tarts” and cast their votes for the best among coconut, pineapple, and guava varieties.

From Thursday to Saturday, the streets of Frederiksted came alive with local and visiting pleasure seekers enjoying J’ouvert, the Children’s Parade, and the Adult Parade. The record number of attendees and participants adorned in culturally significant and elaborate costumes celebrated the rich Caribbean heritage of the island.

“This year’s Crucian Christmas Festival marked the conclusion of a remarkable 2023 for our territory and heralded the beginning of 2024 as a year destined for further advancements in destination appeal,” Joseph Boschulte, commissioner of Tourism said.

A post-parade fireworks display concluded the 12-day celebration, followed by Uber Soca Night at the Frederiksted Village with performances by international Afro Beats star Davido and Caribbean Music Awards Soca Performer of the Year, Mr. Killa.

“This year’s Crucian Christmas Festival showcased the rich and abundant culture of St. Croix, spanning from pageants to the food fair, J’ouvert to the parades,” Ian Turnbull, director of Festivals, said.

DEI, backlash, lawsuits

Navigating DEI Challenges: Addressing Complaints And Lawsuits In The Pursuit Of Racial Equality

Society must examine whether these legal challenges are initiated in good faith or potentially launched in bad faith.


 

Written By Tianna Green

Amidst the recent lawsuits targeting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in businesses and companies, society must examine whether these legal challenges are initiated in good faith or potentially launched in bad faith. Such actions might aim to distort genuine efforts, misconstrue the purpose, and unfairly vilify a function that inherently provides universal benefits for everyone.

Understanding the Historical Context and Legal Landscape in Navigating DEI Challenges

Just months after the overturning of affirmative action, the impact on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives in business has been significant, leading some businesses or companies to face legal challenges against their commitment to fostering diversity.

“Essentially what people are doing is using the overturning of affirmative action within the higher education context as a veil to criticize and attack D.E.I efforts when these are separate institutions, sitting in different spheres of society, governed by different laws and rules,” said Shane Lloyd, chief diversity officer at Baker Tilly US.

DEI is commonly reduced to affirmative action, recruiting, and mentorship or sponsorship programs when it is a comprehensive and evolving framework. Advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion within our society involves sourcing, attracting, obtaining, developing, promoting, advancing, and compensating individuals from all backgrounds, particularly those who are underrepresented.

In 2020, many companies expressed a desire to combat systemic racism in the wake of the tragic killing of George Floyd. They rallied around supporting Black talent, making proclamations, and pledging to fight against systemic racism.

Frankly, numerous companies have only recently embarked on their journeys within DEI.

Despite the fight for civil rights spanning over 60 years, systemic racism remains a longstanding global issue. Initiatives undertaken by these companies aim to address some of the problems in corporate America.

Given that many of these companies are in the early stages of their journey, it is improbable that they wouldn’t encounter legal trouble. The majority of lawsuits are initiated against major or well-known companies. However, this does not imply that smaller companies are immune to risks; it pertains more to the broader context. Legal challenges against major companies serve as a bellwether for smaller and middle-market companies.

Unveiling Economic Impact and Shaping the Future of Corporate Racial Equality

Understanding how companies or businesses handle a lawsuit if faced with one, will significantly impact various aspects. Businesses must approach such situations thoughtfully, remain vigilant, and follow a well-considered and thorough process. Operating any business inherently involves a degree of risk.

The unfortunate reality is that the fear of lawsuits may result in significant pushback and long-term effects within the DEI realm. Some businesses may become less bold or courageous in their initiatives, leading to potential rollbacks in funding, budget constraints, and even the possibility of laying off entire teams. While these outcomes are not guaranteed, they are potential consequences in worst-case scenarios.

Individuals must recognize that DEI initiatives and teams are particularly vital during times of polarization. In a world characterized by polarization, fragility, anxiety, nonlinearity, and isolation, having compassionate and inclusive business leaders is crucial. DEI functions play a significant role in supporting these leaders and addressing the complexities that many find challenging to articulate.

Understanding How Legal Challenges Might Shape the Black Community and Impact Black Entrepreneurs

Historically, the Black community in the United States has faced recurring setbacks and rollbacks, with the experience often characterized by taking two steps forward and 10 steps back. While this pattern is unfortunately familiar, it shouldn’t be accepted. Breaking this cycle is precisely what DEI efforts aim to achieve.

Examining the mindsets of those opposing DEI initiatives reveals that many anti-DEI or conservative activists erroneously believe that addressing race is unjust. The issue, however, lies not in discussing race but in addressing the discrimination that exists. Race must be a part of the conversation.

Balancing Corporate Compliance and Fostering an Inclusive Workplace Environment

In this critical period, gaining a deeper understanding of inclusion and diversity is essential for the success of businesses and companies. Navigating these newer paradoxes is crucial for business leaders as the world struggles with various inclusion challenges.

This necessitates a reexamination of the traditions and norms ingrained in these companies’ identities. Balancing the need to address resistance and backlash while fostering an inclusive space requires thoughtful consideration. Providing education around DEI becomes paramount, particularly when striving to level the playing field that has historically been lopsided for certain communities.

“Some individuals, due to their identities, may be on a rocket ship of career trajectory, while others are having to climb mountains without equipment,” Lloyd said. This underscores the disparities that exist and the importance of considering how DEI efforts support individuals in majority groups rather than taking them away from them.

To truly address systemic issues, the goal of DEI work is to implement systemic interventions. While institutions today may not be as overtly prejudiced as in the past, issues persist, in different forms. Recognizing and addressing these challenges are crucial steps toward fostering a more inclusive and equitable corporate landscape.


Tianna Green is a junior majoring in Media, Broadcast, and Journalism with a minor in Political Science at Howard University. She has a strong passion for telling BIPOC stories, particularly those within the Black community and dispelling media-driven misconceptions.

April Showers Breaks Barriers, First Black Woman-Owned Brand To Secure Licensing With Retail Powerhouse

April Showers Breaks Barriers, First Black Woman-Owned Brand To Secure Licensing With Retail Powerhouse

With the recent launch of haircare line, Afro Unicorn Magical Tresses, founder April Showers is taking over.


With the recent launch of haircare line Afro Unicorn Magical Tresses, founder April Showers is taking over retailers and defying the odds one product at a time.

In the dynamic world of entrepreneurship, few stories capture the essence of resilience, representation, and empowerment as vividly as that of April Showers, the visionary founder and CEO of Afro Unicorn. Celebrated as a children’s lifestyle brand created to remind children of color how unique, divine, and magical they truly are, Afro Unicorn and April showers continue to break barriers, but this is only the beginning.

Renowned for her keen eye in identifying gaps in retail representation, Showers founded Afro Unicorn to ensure Black girls and women feel unique, divine, and magical. Embarking on her entrepreneurial journey at the tender age of 19, Showers was driven by a specific vision for herself and a determination to dream big. She shares, “I’ve always known I was going to live an extraordinary life.”

Navigating the challenges of single motherhood, April’s entrepreneurial spirit led her to establish multiple businesses, two of which are still up and running today.

The idea for Afro Unicorn was born out of April’s desire to provide representation for children of color through a symbol of magic, uniqueness, and empowerment. What began as a simple compliment from a friend, blossomed into a viral TikTok video featuring a 6-year-old girl proudly flaunting her afro. The video catapulted Afro Unicorn into the spotlight, transforming it into a household brand with a loyal customer base nationwide.

April’s story has resonated not only with consumers but with influential figures such as Oprah Winfrey, Alicia Keys, and Tiffany Haddish. Afro Unicorn stands at the forefront of positive change, embodying resilience, representation, and empowerment.

The brand proudly shares shelf space with iconic brands like Marvel and Disney princesses. It is now available in over 3,500 stores nationwide, including Walmart and CVS. Today, April is the first Black woman to own a licensed character in a major retail store.

In 2023, April took Afro Unicorn to new heights by venturing into the haircare category with the launch of Afro Unicorn Magical Tresses. Partnering with Magical Beauty, its first black-owned global licensing partner, Magical Tresses offers a unique haircare experience that celebrates all textures and tresses.

Born out of love and respect for every hair texture out there, the haircare brand recognized the need for haircare that was both inclusive and magical.

Cruelty-free and free from harsh ingredients, the six-product line features Never a Knot Detangling Shampoo; 1-2-3 Wishes Silky Conditioner; Freezie Free & Shine Curl Refresher; Sparkle Bright Edges & More; Bye Bye Dry Scalp Serum; and Swirls & Twirls Curl Cream. All boast a delightful, fruity fragrance that appeals to the entire family. The brand began with a simple mission: to create a line of products that would make every curl, kink, wave, and strand feel loved and build confidence with girls everywhere.

The clean formulations of Afro Unicorn Magical Tresses are kid-friendly, mother-approved, and feature rainbow superfruit-infused ingredients.

Building on the brand’s momentum, Afro Unicorn will entering Target in 2024, a significant milestone for April Showers as Afro Unicorn continues to join the ranks of retail giants.

April Showers and Afro Unicorn have crafted a remarkable narrative of triumph over adversity, entrepreneurial success, and a commitment to positive change. The expansion into the haircare category and Target in 2024 solidifies Afro Unicorn’s place as a trailblazer in the industry.

As April continues to inspire with her vision and Afro Unicorn’s empowering message, the brand’s journey remains a beacon of hope and representation for generations to come.

To stay up to date with Showers and Afro Unicorn, follow them on Instagram @gotaprilshowers and @afrounicorn_hair.

Donald Trump. Black Americans, Immigrants

Trump’s Iowa Caucus Victory Proves ‘Make America Great Again’ Still Alive And Well

Oh God....


It was a cold night in Iowa on Dr. Martin Luther King Day, but the polls were heating up for Donald Trump and his supporters. 

The former President walked away a winner during the Iowa Caucus on Jan. 15, The Associated Press reported, moving closer to the 2024 Republican presidential nomination. During the lowest turned-out caucus in 25 years, Trump managed to reign supreme with a close-to-30-point win, passing Bob Dole’s historic 13-point win in 1988. 

Florida governor Ron DeSantis finished second, leaving former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley trailing in third. With the competition shrinking, outspoken conservative entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy ended his campaign after finishing in fourth place – eventually endorsing Trump – but not before claiming serious worry for this country. “There’s no path for me to be the next president absent things that we don’t want to see happen in this country,” he said. 

“I am very worried for our country. I think we are skating on thin ice as a nation.” 

But Trump was singing a different tune after his victory. During his speech, the four-time indicted businessman spoke of his hope for unity if he were to get re-elected. “We want to come together, whether it’s Republican or Democrat or liberal or conservative,” Trump said. “We’re going to come together. It’s going to happen soon.”

President Joe Biden caught wind of Trump’s historic win, taking the opportunity to push for support of his campaign on Twitter. “Looks like Donald Trump just won Iowa. He’s the clear front runner on the other side at this point,” Biden tweeted. “But here’s the thing: this election was always going to be you and me vs. extreme MAGA Republicans. It was true yesterday, and it’ll be true tomorrow.” 

For the runner-ups, all hope isn’t lost. DeSantis is visiting South Carolina before making his way to New Hampshire in hopes of keeping the conservative stronghold. “Because of your support, in spite of all of what they threw at us, we got our ticket punched out of Iowa,” DeSantis told supporters. Meanwhile, Haley’s focus is already in New Hampshire, as, according to CNN, independent and undecided voters may be her last chance at securing the nomination over Trump. 

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