Former President Donald Trump made a notable appearance at the annual football rivalry between Iowa State University and the University of Iowa as his critics’ ire mixed with cheers from fans. Trump watched the game from a private stadium suite in Ames with influential Republican donor Gary Kirke before leaving during the third quarter.

Videos shared online showed the moment when Trump emerged from the suit to cheers and jeers. Fans in the stadium had long waited for his arrival, chanting his name as he stepped out.

Among those cheering are some disapproving spectators, who reported voicing their dissent with boos and obscenities. At least a few potential rivals for the 2024 Republican nomination, including Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, sat in open seats next to Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds. Not formally endorsing a candidate, Reynolds had often appeared alongside DeSantis and his wife, Casey, during campaign events.

Reports said that Reynolds did not interact with Trump at all during the game.

Overhead was a banner reading "Where’s Melania?" which flew over along with flyers asking where former first lady Melania Trump was. Such actions followed up after a Trump campaign banner was flown over the Iowa State Fair, which read: "Be likeable, Ron!"

Even with rival DeSantis nipping at his heels, polls have shown Trump as the top choice for most Republican primary voters in Iowa. Trump’s visit here came after DeSantis was campaigning across the state, though Trump remained popular within the party even though he made fewer visits here throughout the year than he did four years ago when running against Democrat Hillary Clinton.