The Florida first lady, Casey DeSantis, has sought to clarify comments she made on Friday that appeared to encourage out-of-state voters to participate in the upcoming Iowa caucuses. Her remarks sparked controversy and accusations of voter fraud from the Trump campaign.

During a side-by-side interview with her husband, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, on Fox News, Casey DeSantis urged moms and grandmoms from North Carolina, South Carolina, and other states to come to Iowa and be a part of the caucus. However, she later clarified that she did not mean voting, but rather volunteering and participating in the caucus process.

"While voting in the Iowa caucus is limited to registered voters in Iowa, there is a way for others to participate. I'm calling on mamas and grandmamas from all over the country to come volunteer in support of Ron DeSantis in the Iowa caucus," she posted on X, along with a link for people to register.

Following the event, Governor Ron DeSantis denied that his wife was encouraging illegal voting in the January 15 caucus. He emphasized that while out-of-state participants cannot vote, they can assist with the caucus and even speak on behalf of candidates.

The DeSantis campaign spokesperson reiterated that Casey DeSantis was advocating for nationwide recruitment of individuals to volunteer for the caucus, not to vote illegally. The governor acknowledged the impact they have made on the lives of Floridians and expressed his gratitude for their support during the caucus process.

However, the Trump campaign seized on the comments, accusing the DeSantis couple of endorsing voter fraud. They demanded clarification from Governor Kim Reynolds of Iowa and accused the DeSantises of spreading misinformation that could disenfranchise caucus-goers.

In response to the Trump campaign's statement, the DeSantis campaign spokesperson reiterated that the remarks were taken out of context and that Governor DeSantis had already provided a detailed explanation of the situation.

As the controversy unfolds, it remains to be seen how the Iowa Republican Party and Governor Kim Reynolds will respond to the accusations of voter fraud and whether further clarifications will be made regarding participation in the caucus by out-of-state individuals.