Late this afternoon, just ahead of the Iowa Caucuses, Trump called Vivek out on Truth Social:

Vivek started his campaign as a great supporter, “the best President in generations,” etc. Unfortunately, now all he does is disguise his support in the form of deceitful campaign tricks. Very sly, but a vote for Vivek is a vote for the “other side” — don’t get duped by this. Vote for “TRUMP,” don’t waste your vote! Vivek is not MAGA. The Biden Indictments against his Political Opponent will never be allowed in this Country, they are already beginning to fall! MAGA!!!

There is a lot of Truth in that Truth. But why did Trump turn on Vivek NOW? Concern that Vivek was taking votes away from Trump in Iowa and hurting Trump not DeSantis? Or just sick of him?

[Maybe just clearing the decks, or sending a signal that Ramaswamy won’t be his running mate? Ramaswamy had been using Ted Cruz’ 2016 playbook but didn’t even get as far with it as Cruz did. I suspect Trump might just have needed some variety. — Ed]