The first sign that Donald Trump’s pull in the Republican Party was starting to weaken was when some of the party’s most prominent figures attempted to take the former president and his endorsees head-on.
One good example comes from the Georgia primaries. Multiple Republicans chose the option of campaigning for Governor Brian Kemp, rather than Trump-endorsed, one-time Senator David Perdue.
Didn’t take long for former Trump “loyalists” to show their true faces
Additionally, other figures from the Trump era, like Mike Pence, have taken bolder political steps.
Pence appears to be showing signs of running in 2024 himself, despite his initial claims that his plans would be put on hold if Trump decides to come back for the election.
Strategists believe Trump has never been as weak as he is now. The recent movement within the GOP was to be expected during a time like this when a former favorite was on a major losing streak.
If you asked me 6 years ago to name 2 Republicans I would support, @Liz_Cheney & @AdamKinzinger wouldn’t be in the top 10. If you asked me today to name any actual Republicans, Representatives Cheney and Kinzinger would be the only ones on that list. Trump is destroying the GOP.
— Sgt Joker (@TheSGTJoker) May 29, 2022
Despite the many losses in Georgia, what likely put the final nail in the coffin was Kemp’s victory over Perdue, with a 50-point margin in Kemp’s favor.
However, Kemp didn’t accomplish this feat on his own, as he was handed a near-dozen helping hands in the form of Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts, Arizona Governor Doug Ducey, and former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie.
Christie previously allied with Trump, albeit for a short amount of time.
Even Mike Pence, Trump’s former vice president, worked against his favor in these primaries, aiding Kemp in his path to victory by campaigning with him on the eve of the primary.
75% of Republicans support Trump and his big lie. The enlightened GOP group you refer to is a very small minority of the treasonous abomination the GOP has become. https://t.co/ITO8i6pq7R
— Duane Bedard (@dwbedard) May 28, 2022
Was Trump’s Twitter ban the final nail in the coffin?
These losses directly empowered other Republicans to challenge Trump after years of sworn loyalty.
Strategists like Alex Conant claim without the White House and access to a major social media platform, Trump was left dead in the water, resulting in his mediocre-at-best endorsement record.
Fortunately, he’s retained his ruling position in the party; it’s just that his power has dwindled significantly since his removal from office.
This is prompting other analysts to believe Trump’s influence tanked by at least one-third, ever since his exposure on social media had been minimized.
I no longer support the RNC or GOP after they didn’t support President Trump in the stolen 2020 election now I base my votes on the person!! President Trump will always have my vote!!! #DJT_CasperRa11y
— Deplorable USA_GIRL 🇺🇸 🍊 (@USA_Bev) May 28, 2022
The issue lies in Trump’s agenda of relitigating the “fixed” 2020 presidential election; whereas the rest of the party just wants to focus on putting an end to Biden’s agenda and retaking the White House in due time.
However, this gung-ho stance of his might come as a blessing.
It may create an opening for other White House hopefuls from the GOP who will undoubtedly ride the popularity wave that Trump’s “America First” movement created, only without all the additional baggage the former president brings.
A majority of Republican voters still like the former president, but they’re open to new things. If a candidate who offers more than Trump and his loyalists comes along, Republicans won’t hesitate to flock to that candidate instead.
