Sarah Palin endorses Trump for US president

Former vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin endorsed Republican billionaire Donald Trump on Tuesday, saying the real estate mogul would "lead the charge" as America's next president.

Palin, who flirted with her own White House run, emerged as a conservative icon and political powerbroker following her failed 2008 vice presidential bid. 

Since then she has endorsed several far-right candidates who went on to win seats in Congress.

As the former Alaska governor and gun-enthusiast jumped back into the political limelight, it emerged that her son had been arrested on domestic violence charges after a fight involving a rifle.

On the political front the coveted endorsement of Trump comes just 13 days before votes are cast in Iowa, the debut contest in the presidential primary race, and it could give a welcome boost to Trump, the current Republican frontrunner.

"No more pussyfooting around!" boomed Palin as she stood alongside Trump at his campaign rally in Ames, Iowa.

"The president has to keep us safe economically and militarily," stressed Palin, who rocketed to political stardom when John McCain plucked her from obscurity to be his running mate.

Trump is a "master" dealmaker, she said. 

"He knows how to lead the charge. So troops, hang in there because help's on the way."

Using rhetoric that has helped her rally supporters on the campaign trail, Palin drew huge cheers -- and smiles from Trump -- when she blasted President Barack Obama as a "weak-kneed capitulator in chief" who leads from behind, particularly when it comes to battling so-called Islamic State extremists.

"Are you ready for a commander in chief who will let our warriors do their job and go kick ISIS's ass?" she asked.

The endorsement came as news emerged that Palin's son Track, 26, was arrested on domestic violence charges Monday after an armed altercation with his girlfriend, according to court documents filed Tuesday.

During the drunken fight at his mother's house in Wasilla, Alaska, Track Palin allegedly brandished a rifle and threatened to shoot himself, according to the documents filed in court and posted online.