‘Look Out for Dirty Tricks,’ Ben Carson Warns Iowa Trump Voters in New Video Message (Exclusive)

The last time Dr. Ben Carson was stumping in Iowa’s Republican presidential caucus for himself, he was the target of a dirty trick by a rival campaign that informed voters he had dropped out.

Eight years later, Carson recalled the incident in a video message Friday night to Donald Trump supporters. Then he blasted out a warning to them to watch out for dirty tricks to make sure they get to their precincts Monday to vote for Trump. 

“Be on the lookout for dirty tricks and be smarter than they are," Carson warned in the video on Rumble.

“In 2016, when I ran for president and spent many days in Iowa, some folks played dirty tricks. You might remember a false message spread on Caucus day that I was dropping out of the presidential race — even though I wasn't," Carson said in the video.

After caucus night at the time, Texas Sen. Ted Cruz’s campaign apologized for the false information about Carson dropping out, insisting it had been a mere misunderstanding.

Cruz won the caucus that night. Trump came in second. Florida Sen. Marco Rubio came in third — followed by Carson, who eventually dropped out. Carson endorsed Trump and was appointed housing secretary after Trump won the presidency.

Carson is a top surrogate for Trump in Iowa this year as polls show the former president well ahead of his rivals. But a blizzard threatens to depress turnout, and Trump’s campaign is worried about high expectations and low performance.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ campaign is spreading the word that, thanks in part to his strong ground game, he’ll outperform his current position in the polls, and finish in a stronger second place. Former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley has downplayed expectations, and hopes to finish a strong third.

In his video message, Carson reminded voters that they have to show up by 7 p.m. at their precinct to vote Monday.

And he repeatedly cautioned vigilance.

“As January 15 approaches, rumors and misinformation might surface,” he said.

"Let me be crystal clear: Trust only the information coming directly from President Trump and his campaign.," Carson emphasized. "Our movement is strong. And we know that dishonest individuals try to create confusion.”