"2024 GOP hopefuls tread carefully around Trump while eyeing the prize"

As potential 2024 GOP presidential candidates test their messages, they largely avoid conflict with former President Donald Trump, who remains a dominant force in the party. Trump's allies used his announcement about a coming indictment to test the loyalties of fellow Republicans, and most would-be opponents rushed to his defense. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who is expected to run, has attempted to land subtle jabs on Trump but largely shares a voter base with the former president, making it politically untenable to stake out a clear position opposing him. Meanwhile, former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley remains the only other candidate with an established national profile to formally enter the race.