While other 2024 Republican presidential hopefuls spent their Fourth of July engaging in traditional campaign activities like parades, former President Donald Trump remained absent from these events. His absence, however, hasn't hindered his campaign momentum. Recent national polls show Trump significantly ahead of his rivals, with his lead growing even amidst indictments in New York and Florida. These legal battles, rather than deterring supporters, appear to have galvanized his base.

The latest Fox News national poll reveals Trump holds a commanding 56% support among likely GOP primary voters, with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis trailing at 22%. All other candidates remain in the single digits. This substantial lead has been steadily increasing since late winter. Similar trends are observed in recent surveys from Iowa and New Hampshire, the first two states in the Republican presidential nominating calendar, where Trump maintains double-digit advantages.

(Fox News)

A senior Trump campaign advisor, speaking anonymously, affirmed their confidence in Trump's frontrunner status. The advisor emphasized the campaign's proactive approach, highlighting plans for continued engagement with voters, policy announcements, and drawing a contrast with President Biden's administration. The campaign also intends to maintain focus on DeSantis, the second-highest polling candidate. Beyond polling data, Trump's campaign expects to report a substantial fundraising haul for the second quarter of 2023, further underscoring his strong position.

This fundraising period coincided with Trump's indictment in New York for alleged hush-money payments to adult film star Stormy Daniels and his subsequent arraignment in Florida for alleged mishandling of classified documents. Trump has pleaded not guilty to all charges in both cases. Despite these legal challenges, and the potential for further indictments related to the January 6th Capitol attack and alleged attempts to overturn the 2020 election results, Trump's support within the GOP primary electorate has remained resilient.

Former President Trump addresses a crowd during a campaign event in Pickens, South Carolina. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images)

While acknowledging Trump's current dominance, veteran New Hampshire Republican strategist Jim Merrill points out that the race is far from over. He observes significant voter interest in other candidates, who are actively campaigning and drawing large crowds at town halls and events. Merrill believes the upcoming Republican presidential primary debates, starting with the Fox News-hosted debate in Milwaukee on August 23rd, will be a crucial opportunity for other contenders to challenge Trump's lead.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis with his family at the Wolfeboro, New Hampshire Independence Day Parade. (Paul Steinhauser/Fox News Digital)

Former Vice President Mike Pence with his wife Karen Pence at the Urbandale, Iowa 4th of July Celebration. (Mike Pence 2024 Presidential Campaign)

The Trump campaign, however, appears unfazed. The advisor expressed confidence in their ongoing strategy and emphasized the value of Trump's prior presidential campaign experience. They hinted at even more significant campaign activities planned for the coming months.