Donald Trump’s decisive reelection has deepened fractures within the already splintered Never Trump movement, leaving some of his most prominent Republican critics on the political sidelines as the GOP fully embraces its MAGA identity.
Critics like Nikki Haley, Mike Pence, and Barbara Comstock have ramped up their attacks on Trump’s Cabinet nominees, including Tulsi Gabbard and Robert F. Kennedy Jr.. However, their influence within the party continues to wane as Trump consolidates power with the support of loyal congressional Republicans.
Haley and Pence Push Back
Former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, a vocal critic-turned-reluctant ally of Trump, recently used her platform to attack Gabbard’s foreign policy as sympathetic to adversarial nations like Russia and Iran. She also labeled Kennedy, Trump’s pick for Health and Human Services secretary, as unqualified due to his lack of healthcare experience.
Former Vice President Mike Pence similarly condemned Kennedy, citing his abortion stance as troubling for conservative voters. Pence’s attempt to rally anti-abortion conservatives, however, has been largely dismissed by Trump loyalists.
“Who cares what Mike Pence thinks?” said Mike Davis, a staunch Trump ally.
A GOP Resistant to Resistance
Trump’s resurgence has marginalized Never Trump Republicans even further. Figures like Joe Walsh, who once challenged Trump for the GOP nomination, view reforming the Republican Party as an impossible task. “It’s down to two options,” Walsh said, “throw rocks at the administration … or become Democrats.”
Congressional moderates and institutional Republicans remain the last line of defense against Trump’s more controversial moves. Early signs of resistance include the Senate’s selection of John Thune over Rick Scott as majority leader and efforts to block scandal-plagued candidates like Matt Gaetz from key positions.
However, critics warn that public dissent within the GOP risks Trump’s wrath and potential primary challenges, leaving few lawmakers willing to openly oppose him.
The Path Forward
Anti-Trump Republicans are divided on their future. Some aim to pressure the GOP from within, while others, like Geoff Duncan, advocate for a conservative realignment driven by moderate voices in Congress.
If those efforts fail, the Never Trump movement risks losing its already limited influence, with its members facing the grim prospect of fading into political irrelevance.
As Jeff Timmer, a Lincoln Project member, quipped, “You mean reeducation camps? I’m being an optimist.”
COMMENTS