By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Republicans and former Republicans gathered to express grave concerns about Donald Trump’s impact on American democracy, with speakers describing his movement as an “authoritarian-embracing cult” and an “existential threat.” Despite the dire warnings, the event drew a relatively small crowd, with few current Republican elected officials participating, highlighting the diminished political influence of the Never Trump movement. Nevertheless, some attendees expressed cautious optimism, pointing to a recent Supreme Court ruling and polling data as signs that Trump’s influence may be waning, and rooting for Democratic victories in the upcoming midterm elections.
Read the original article here
The warnings from “Never Trump” Republicans persist, echoing with a sense of urgency, but the crucial question remains: is anyone truly listening? It feels as though these pronouncements are often directed into a void, met with skepticism or outright dismissal from those they aim to persuade. The MAGA faithful, for instance, seem largely unmoved, their convictions firmly entrenched. And for everyone else, the sentiment is often that the warnings are already well-understood, a painful truth that has been evident for years. The frustration stems from a perceived lack of decisive action from these dissenting Republicans when it mattered most. Instead of confronting the rising tide of MAGA ideology head-on, many are seen as having abandoned the party, leaving it to fester.
This collective inaction has led to a profound disillusionment, with many believing that anyone still identifying as a Republican is permanently tainted by association, carrying an indelible scar that disqualifies them from meaningful political engagement. The remaining Republicans, in this view, are simply driven by self-interest and greed, a cynical assessment that leaves little room for redemption or constructive dialogue. The consistent message emerging is one of outright rejection: stop voting for Republicans, period. The ongoing narrative suggests that after the Trump administration, the Republican Party has devolved into something irredeemable, actively working against the best interests of the nation.
Interestingly, some argue that the “Never Trump” Republicans haven’t been particularly helpful in the past either. They point to the fact that nearly every individual who served in Trump’s first administration issued warnings against his re-election, yet these pleas fell on deaf ears. This suggests a deeper, more systemic issue than just Donald Trump himself. The underlying argument is that the Republican Party as it currently exists is irrevocably broken, and the only viable solution is its complete dismantling. The idea that a few dissenting voices can salvage it is seen as naive, especially when the core issues responsible for Trump’s rise remain unaddressed.
Furthermore, it’s argued that the “Never Trump” movement often overlooks the historical complicity of the broader Republican Party. Many of the prominent figures now positioned as critics were once enthusiastic proponents of the Republican agenda, particularly during the Bush administration. Figures like Bill Kristol and Jonah Goldberg, along with politicians like Mitt Romney and John McCain, are cited as examples of those who, through their actions or inactions, helped create the environment that allowed Trump to gain prominence. Mitch McConnell is often named as a key enabler, someone who facilitated the political climate that led to this point. The accusation is that every Republican bears some responsibility for the current state of affairs.
The notion of a “Never Trump” Republican making headlines is met with derision by some, who reframe it as “He Quit Liking Me Republicans.” There’s a cynical pragmatism at play, with the assumption that some Republicans might indeed be looking for a way to signal their dissent to avoid a hard political landing, especially as the current administration’s popularity wanes. They are seen as seeking an exit ramp, a way to rebrand themselves as moderate figures despite their past support or acquiescence to a leader described in stark terms: racist, authoritarian, corrupt, and unfit. This perspective suggests that the “Never Trump” Republicans and a capitulation from corporate Democrats are seen as the best hope for a return to some semblance of normalcy, though some dismiss this as a distraction from the real problem: the influence of the wealthy elite.
The feeling of being “cooked” is palpable, with the inability to even mobilize voters to turn out for elections, let alone convince Republicans that Trump is a negative force. This leads to a stance where no respect should be given to “Never Trump” Republicans. Their past actions are seen as having contributed to the creation of the current Republican Party, and their views are still considered detrimental to the country. The warnings are no longer relevant because the crisis is already in full swing. There’s also a pointed commentary on figures like Chris Christie, whose past support for Trump is highlighted, questioning the sincerity of his later criticisms. The feeling is that these warnings have been issued repeatedly and ignored.
The sentiment that “Hillary was right” encapsulates a sense of vindication for those who saw the dangers early on. There’s a dismissive attitude towards Republicans who still identify with the party, questioning their motivations and consistency. The idea of a “Never Trump” Republican is viewed as an oxymoron when they continue to support the broader Republican platform or remain within the party structure. The suggestion that they are “feeding the machine” implies a continued complicity. The argument is that true dissent would involve leaving the party entirely, rather than offering criticisms from within.
The current political landscape is seen as one where liberals have been sounding the alarm for years, while conservatives have either fully embraced the MAGA movement or adopted a libertarian guise. “Never Trump” Republicans are perceived as lacking a genuine base of support, relegated to a fringe position with little influence. The idea that figures like Chris Christie have wavered in their stances, shifting from “super Trumper” to “never Trumper” when it became politically expedient, further fuels this skepticism. The Republican Party is widely considered to be dead, replaced by the “MAGA party.”
For many, the animosity towards the Republican Party predates Donald Trump, and any pronouncements from within its ranks are met with demands for genuine contrition rather than mere criticism. The authority of “Never Trump” Republicans is questioned, with the belief that they have lost any standing to be heard. The call to action for these dissenting voices is clear: “Leave the party.” Only then, some argue, will their words carry any weight. The idea of a “Never Trump” coalition failing to win the popular vote in past elections is cited as evidence of their limited impact.
The fundamental criticism is that “Never Trump” Republicans spent decades paving the way for Trump’s rise. Their current warnings are seen as too little, too late, and the demand is for them to take back their party rather than simply complaining. The audience for these warnings is perceived as the wrong one, with little appetite for the message. The notion of listening to these warnings is met with incredulity, given the decade-long duration of such pronouncements. The idea that many “Never Trump” Republicans are actually “sometimes Trump” Republicans who simply couldn’t strike a favorable deal further erodes trust.
The critique of Chris Christie’s involvement in prepping Trump for debates, despite his later criticisms, highlights the perceived hypocrisy. The overwhelming sentiment is one of exhaustion and a desire to move beyond the constant pronouncements. Many are unwilling to listen any longer, having firmly established their own positions, which often involve begrudgingly voting for Democrats to simply “hinder the hate and stupidity.” The core message remains: if “Never Trump” Republicans want their voices to be heard, they need to decisively exit the party. The perception is that they are not listening, and their continued affiliation with the Republican brand renders their warnings hollow.