JILL COLVIN

National political reporter

Colvin is an Associated Press national political reporter covering the 2024 presidential campaign. She is based in New York.

FILE - Former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign event, July 8, 2023, in Las Vegas. Trump said Tuesday that he has received a letter informing him that he is a target of the Justice Department’s investigation into efforts to undo the results of the 2020 presidential election. Trump made the claim in a post on his Truth Social platform. (AP Photo/John Locher, File)

Donald Trump’s GOP rivals once again compelled to rally to his defense after Colorado ruling

With less than a month to go before voting begins, Donald Trump’s Republican rivals are once again rallying to his defense.

FILE - Republican presidential candidate Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis talks with audience members during a meet and greet, Friday, Nov. 3, 2023, in Denison, Iowa. Former President Donald Trump was the first choice of 51% of likely Iowa caucus participants in a Des Moines Register-NBC News-Mediacom Iowa Poll published Monday, Dec. 11. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who has vowed that he will win Iowa, had the support of 19%. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall, File)

Top strategist resigns from DeSantis-backing super PAC

The top strategist for the embattled super PAC backing Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ campaign for the White House has resigned.

FILE - Former President Donald Trump arrives at the UFC 295 mixed martial arts event Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023, in New York. Trump has spent less time campaigning in early-voting states than many of his Republican primary rivals. But his campaign has been bolstering his schedule with appearances at major sporting events. Video of his appearances routinely rack up hundreds of thousands of views across social media. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II, File)

Sports fan Trump hits UFC fights and big games to try to put his 2024 nomination in a headlock

Donald Trump has spent less time campaigning in early-voting states than many of his Republican primary rivals.

Former President Donald Trump, second from left, sits at the defense table with his attorney's Christopher Kise, left, Alina Habba, second from right, and Clifford Robert at New York Supreme Court, Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023, in New York. (AP Photo/Eduardo Munoz Alvarez, Pool)

Trump says he won’t testify again at his New York fraud trial

Donald Trump says he’s decided against testifying for a second time at his New York civil fraud trial.

Former President Donald Trump greets supporters during a stop at the Front Street Pub & Eatery, Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2023, in Davenport, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

Trump’s campaign is distancing him from allies who have sketched out plans for a second term

In a memo from senior advisers Susie Wiles and Chris LaCivita, the campaign said messages about a potential Trump government that come from anyone but the Republican or his team should not be considered official and are “an unwelcomed distraction.”

Former President Donald Trump speaks during a Commit to Caucus rally, Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023, in Ankeny, Iowa. (AP Photo/Matthew Putney)

Trump’s vow to only be a dictator on ‘day one’ follows growing worry over his authoritarian rhetoric

Donald Trump’s assertion that he would only be a dictator on “day one” of a second term comes as he is facing growing scrutiny over his increasingly authoritarian and violent rhetoric.

Former President Donald Trump greets supporters during a stop at the Front Street Pub & Eatery, Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2023, in Davenport, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

Trump declines to rule out abusing power to seek retribution if he returns to the White House

Former President Donald Trump declined to rule out abusing power if he returns to the White House after Fox News Channel host Sean Hannity asked him to respond to growing Democratic criticism of his rhetoric.

FILE - Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump gestures after speaking at a campaign rally Oct. 23, 2023, in Derry, N.H. Trump will be headlining a closed-door fundraiser in Florida next week as his Republican primary rivals return to the debate stage. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa, File)

Trump will hold a fundraiser instead of appearing at next week’s Republican presidential debate

Donald Trump will be headlining a closed-door fundraiser in Florida next week as his Republican primary rivals return to the debate stage on Dec. 6.

FILE - Republican presidential candidate and former President Donald Trump speaks at the South Texas International Airport, Nov. 19, 2023, in Edinburg, Texas. Trump says he wants to reopen the contentious fight over the Affordable Care Act. He posted on his social media site Saturday that he is "seriously looking at alternatives" to "Obamacare" if he wins a second term. (AP Photo/Eric Gay, File)

Trump says he will renew efforts to replace ‘Obamacare’ if he wins a second term

Former President Donald Trump says he wants to reopen the contentious fight over the Affordable Care Act.

FILE - Republican presidential candidate and former President Donald Trump speaks during a rally, Nov. 18, 2023, in Fort Dodge, Iowa. Trump has long praised a particular type of foreign leader, men he describes as tough and strong, even if they're accused of chipping away at democracy. He's now celebrating Argentina's newly elected president, Javier Milei. (AP Photo/Bryon Houlgrave, File)

Trump has long praised autocrats and populists. He’s now embracing Argentina’s new president

Donald Trump has long praised a particular type of foreign leader — men he describes as tough and strong, even if they’re accused of chipping away at democracy.

Republican presidential candidate and former President Donald Trump speaks to Texas state troopers and guardsmen at the South Texas International Airport, Sunday, Nov. 19, 2023, in Edinburg, Texas. (Delcia Lopez/The Monitor via AP, Pool)

Trump, on Biden’s 81st birthday, releases doctor’s note that says he’s in ‘excellent’ health

On President Joe Biden’s 81st birthday, GOP front-runner Donald Trump has released a letter from his physician that reports the former president is in “excellent” physical and mental health.

Republican presidential candidate and former President Donald Trump, left, shakes hands with Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, right, after he received Abbott's endorsement at the South Texas International Airport Sunday, Nov. 19, 2023, in Edinburg, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

Trump picks up the endorsement of Texas Gov. Greg Abbott during a visit to a US-Mexico border town

Donald Trump has returned to the U.S.-Mexico border for a visit and he’s picked up the endorsement of Republican Gov. Greg Abbott of Texas.

Republican presidential candidate and former President Donald Trump speaks during a rally Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023, in Fort Dodge, Iowa. (AP Photo/Bryon Houlgrave)

Trump celebrates win in Colorado election case during return visit to Iowa

Former President Donald Trump celebrated a win in a closely watched election case during a return visit to Iowa.

FILE - Former President Donald Trump speaks at the Republican Party of Florida Freedom Summit, Nov. 4, 2023, in Kissimmee, Fla.Trump is already laying a sweeping set of policy goals should he win a second term as president. Priorities on the Republican's agenda include a mass deportation operation, a new Muslim ban and tariffs on all imported goods. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack, File)

Trump’s plans if he returns to the White House include deportation raids, tariffs and mass firings

Donald Trump is already laying a sweeping set of policy goals should he win a second term as president.

Former President Donald Trump holds a sign with Hialeah Mayor Esteban Bovo at a campaign rally in Hialeah, Fla., Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2023. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

Trump appeals to South Florida’s Cuban community during rally aimed at upstaging GOP debate

Former President Donald Trump has appealed to South Florida’s Cuban community during a rally aimed at upstaging his 2024 Republican presidential rivals while they engaged in their third debate without him a half-hour’s drive away.

Republican presidential candidates from left, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, businessman Vivek Ramaswamy and Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., listen during a Republican presidential primary debate hosted by NBC News Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2023, at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County in Miami. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

Donald Trump’s rivals vow to back Israel and argue over China and Ukraine at the third debate

The Republican presidential candidates at Wednesday’s debate all say they support Israel, but they are squabbling over China and Ukraine.

Former President Donald Trump motions a zipped lip as he walks out of the courtroom during a break in proceedings at New York Supreme Court, Monday, Nov. 6, 2023, in New York. (AP Photo/Eduardo Munoz Alvarez)

Trump lashes out from the witness stand at judge and NY attorney general as he testifies in fraud trial

A defiant Donald Trump has sparred with a New York judge and slammed the state attorney general suing him, using the witness stand at his civil fraud trial to defend his riches and lash out at a case that imperils his real estate empire.

FILE - Republican presidential candidate former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie addresses a gathering during a campaign event at V.F.W. Post 1631, July 24, 2023, in Concord, N.H. As his rivals go all in on Iowa, Christie has been camped out in New Hampshire as he campaigns for the Republican presidential nomination. He's casting himself as the only Republican willing to directly take on former President Donald Trump and argues Trump will lose to President Joe Biden if he's the party's nominee. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Christie banks on New Hampshire as he makes the case that only he can stop Trump: ‘I am the cavalry’

As his rivals go all in on Iowa, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie has been camped out in New Hampshire as he campaigns for the Republican presidential nomination.

President Joe Biden salutes as he boards Air Force One at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2023, en route to Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Jess Rapfogel)

Voters are skeptical of Biden’s age. But Trump’s notable flubs risk drawing unwelcome attention, too

Trump was the oldest person elected to a first term — until Biden was. Today, the age factor is shaping up as an important issue in a possible rematch in 2024 of their first race, in 2020.

FILE - President Donald Trump listens as Vice President Mike Pence speaks during a coronavirus task force briefing in the Rose Garden of the White House, Sunday, March 29, 2020, in Washington. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, File)

Pence’s early exit from the presidential campaign offers a reminder of Trump’s grip on the GOP

Mike Pence has a resume most White House hopefuls would dream of. He was a vice president, governor and congressman.

Karen Pence, left, kisses former Vice President Mike Pence at an annual leadership meeting of the Republican Jewish Coalition, Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023, in Las Vegas. Pence is dropping his bid for the Republican presidential nomination, ending his campaign for the White House. He said in Las Vegas that "after much prayer and deliberation, I have decided to suspend my campaign for president effective today." (AP Photo/John Locher)

Pence ends White House campaign after struggling to gain traction. ‘This is not my time,’ he says

Former Vice President Mike Pence is dropping his bid for the Republican presidential nomination, ending his campaign for the White House after struggling to raise money and gain traction in the polls.

Former President Donald Trump speaks during a break in his civil business fraud trial at New York Supreme Court, Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2023, in New York. The judge in Trump's civil fraud trial has fined the former president $10,000. The judge says Trump violated a limited gag order barring personal attacks on court staffers. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

Trump isn’t accustomed to restrictions. That’s beginning to test the legal system

Efforts to hold Donald Trump accountable are testing the legal system in unprecedented ways. Judges are struggling with how to rein in the former president’s inflammatory rhetoric while balancing the free speech rights of a political candidate.

Former President Donald Trump reacts after a commit to caucus rally, Monday, Oct. 16, 2023, in Adel, Iowa. Donald Trump’s political fundraising machine is raking in donations at a prodigious pace, but he’s spending tens of millions of dollars he’s bringing in to pay attorneys to deal with the escalating costs of the various criminal cases he is contending with.(AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

Trump compares himself to Mandela and rails against Biden after filing for New Hampshire primary

Former President Donald Trump is comparing himself to anti-apartheid activist Nelson Mandela. The former South African president spent 27 years in prison for opposing South Africa’s apartheid system.

Former President Donald Trump reacts after a commit to caucus rally, Monday, Oct. 16, 2023, in Adel, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

Trump announces Florida rally as he prepares to skip yet another GOP debate

Former President Donald Trump will hold a rally in Florida as counter-programming to the third Republican presidential primary debate, which he is once again choosing to skip.

FILE - Former Vice President Mike Pence speaks with reporters after signing papers to get on the Republican presidential primary ballot at the New Hampshire Statehouse, Friday, Oct. 13, 2023, in Concord, N.H. Pence ended September with just $1.18 million left in his campaign account, a strikingly low number for a presidential contest and far less than his rivals, new filings show. His campaign also has $621,000 in debt — more than half the cash he had remaining — and is scrambling to meet donor thresholds for the Nov. 8 debate. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer, File)

Mike Pence faces a cash shortage and questions about how much longer his 2024 campaign can survive

Former Vice President Mike Pence’s campaign is in dire financial straits. He ended September with just $1.18 million cash-on-hand, according to recent filings, and owed $621,000 in debt.

Former President Donald Trump returns to the courtroom after the lunch break of his civil business fraud trial, Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2023, at New York Supreme Court in New York. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

Donald Trump is dominating the GOP primary and settling into a new role: Defendant

The front-runner for the Republican presidential nomination spent two days this week in a Manhattan courtroom where a civil fraud trial is unfolding.

Former President Donald Trump speaks during a commit to caucus rally, Monday, Oct. 16, 2023, in Adel, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

Trump, campaigning in Iowa, vows to ban Gaza refugees from US if he wins a second term

Former President Donald Trump is vowing to bar refugees from Gaza and expand his first-term travel ban following the deadly attack on Israel last week.

Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump speaks Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2023, at Palm Beach County Convention Center in West Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

Trump says he stands with Netanyahu after a barrage of GOP criticism for saying he ‘let us down’

Former President Donald Trump is stepping back from his pointed criticism of Israel. He said Friday he stands with the nation and its prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, after drawing unusually pointed denouncements from his GOP rivals for lashing out at Netanyahu days after Hamas’ deadly attacks.

Former President Donald Trump speaks to reporters as he leaves the courtroom during a lunch break in his civil business fraud trial, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2023, in New York. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)

Donald Trump returning to civil trial next week with fixer-turned-foe Michael Cohen set to testify

Donald Trump will be back in court next week for his New York civil fraud trial. That’s according to a person familiar with the former president’s plans who spoke to The Associated Press on Thursday on condition of anonymity before an official announcement.

Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump speaks Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2023, at Palm Beach County Convention Center in West Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

Trump’s criticism of Israel’s Netanyahu draws strong condemnation from GOP rivals

Several of former President Donald Trump’s Republican rivals are denouncing him for lashing out at Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu days after Hamas’ deadly attack.