The Republican Party is facing a critical moment in its history, and the root cause is clear: Donald Trump’s stranglehold on the party. Gone are the days of advocating for smaller government, balanced budgets, and strong national defense. The party has now become a vessel for Trump’s personal vendettas and incendiary rhetoric. To remain relevant and competitive, Republicans must shed Trump’s influence and redefine their strategy.
Before Trump reshaped the party, the GOP stood for clear, albeit somewhat mundane, principles. Fast forward to 2024, and the GOP platform resembles a Trump rally—loud, abrasive, and off the mark. Rather than focusing on critical issues like healthcare, jobs, and education, the party fixates on divisive topics like immigration, abortion, and the vague promise of “Making America Great Again.”
Trump prioritizes his own interests and those of his base, masquerading them as patriotic values. However, in doing so, the party is alienating important demographics such as young people, immigrants, LGBTQ communities, and Black and Latino voters who seek genuine solutions to pressing issues. Trump’s refusal to address these concerns seriously is pushing these groups away from the GOP.
There are Republicans who see through the allure of Trumpism. Notable political strategist Tara Setmayer parted ways with the party post-2020 election, disillusioned by Trump’s refusal to accept defeat. His baseless claims of election fraud and the party’s compliance with his antics served as her breaking point. Setmayer is not alone in her feelings of disillusionment—many within the party share her exhaustion with Trump’s chaos.
Trump’s Election denialism and fixation on his loss have tarnished the GOP’s reputation. Instead of addressing real issues like inflation, healthcare, and education, the party is mired in battles of the past. While Trump dwells on his defeat, pragmatic voters yearn for progress and forward momentum.
The GOP needs to distance itself from Trump and return to its foundational principles. This transformation won’t be easy, considering Trump’s lingering influence. However, the longer they delay, the more challenging it will be to break free from his grip.
Central to this realignment is moderating the extreme rhetoric. Anti-trans policies and fear-based rhetoric on immigration may energize Trump’s base but repel the broader electorate. To succeed on a national scale, the GOP must broaden its appeal beyond the far-right fringe.
This necessitates a return to the rule of law, respect for democratic institutions, and a commitment to working within the system, not against it. Trump’s authoritarian tendencies, such as seeking to overturn election results, have severely damaged the party’s credibility. To regain credibility, Republicans must champion democratic principles and challenge those intent on dismantling them.