(ABC 6 News) – After the Associated Press called the caucus in favor of Trump just 30 minutes after voting began, many conservative caucus-goers were upset; questioning the influence that national media outlets can have on private party elections.

“It’s nice to let the process play out, respect the voters enough to let them finish their business, and then if you want to make a call go ahead and make a call. But does it impact the result? I don’t think it impacted the result at all,” said Jacob Hall, owner of conservative news outlet The Iowa Standard.

“[It’s] wishful thinking, in other words, it’s just something for them to do; fill the airspace usually. There’s really no merit to doing something like that, other than to keep people tuned in,” said John Thomas, an Iowa native.

“That’s why I think you see the rise among independent journalists, of podcasts, you see the rise of social media; I think that’s the reality where the media is going,” said Hall.

The Associated Press defended it’s decision to declare former-President Trump the winner of the caucus.

“[The projection was based on] an analysis of early returns, as well as a survey of voters who planned to caucus on Monday night; Both showing Trump with an insurmountable lead,” said AP News in a statement.