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Never Trump Movement Struggles for Relevance as Members Warn of Democracy’s Erosion
NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. — In a half-empty convention hall just outside Washington this weekend, members of the dwindling Never Trump movement issued stark warnings about the state of American democracy under former President Donald Trump’s influence.
At the sixth annual Principles First summit, speakers painted a grim picture of the current Republican Party. Former congressman Joe Walsh described the GOP as “an authoritarian-embracing cult,” while conservative writer Bill Kristol labeled Trumpism “an existential threat” to the nation.
Retired Army General Mark Hertling, his voice shaking with emotion, even suggested the United States look to post-Nazi Germany as a roadmap for national recovery after Trump. “Our nation’s institutions have been shaken. Our alliances have been strained. Our credibility has been damaged. And our nation’s values have been cast aside,” Hertling told attendees.
Despite the passionate rhetoric, the gathering’s modest attendance of roughly 750 people – many seats remaining empty in a room that could accommodate thousands – highlighted the movement’s diminished influence. Not a single current Republican elected official participated in the two-day program, underscoring the group’s isolation from the mainstream GOP.
John McDowell, a 69-year-old former Capitol Hill staffer and county Republican official from San Carlos, California, acknowledged the harsh reality. “It’s just a fact. We’re losing good people,” said McDowell, who was a lifelong Republican before Trump’s emergence. He admitted the group had virtually “zero” political clout within his former party. “The party is becoming more and more MAGA-fied.”
This coalition of Republicans, former Republicans and independents who once formed a significant opposition within the GOP has largely been pushed to the political wilderness. Many find themselves politically homeless – uncomfortable with the Democratic Party but disgusted by how Trump has abandoned traditional Republican principles of free trade and limited government.
White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson dismissed the gathering, calling attendees “a bunch of deranged has-been politicians” and suggesting that “the only people who will pay attention to this event are the journalists who are forced to cover it.”
Despite their political exile, there were glimmers of optimism among attendees. Several people cheered last week’s Supreme Court decision striking down Trump’s tariffs, which he had implemented without congressional approval. Some pointed to polls showing cracks in Trump’s support base.
Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, once a Trump adviser, highlighted recent AP-NORC polling showing that one in four Republicans nationwide do not approve of Trump’s job performance. “It’s like any show that’s on TV for a long time — the ratings start to go down,” Christie said, predicting growing opposition. “After the midterms, you watch.”
Rich Logis, a self-described former “MAGA diehard” wearing a red “I left MAGA” hat, expressed hope for “an electoral revolt against MAGA” in the upcoming midterms. “I think there’s a shift in our country right now,” he said. “It happens slowly.” Logis was promoting support groups for friends and family of Trump loyalists at a table outside the convention hall.
Nearly all attendees expressed support for Democratic victories in this fall’s midterm elections – a remarkable stance for a group largely composed of former Republicans. One of the few Democrats present was Conor Lamb, a former congressman from Pennsylvania who lost his party’s Senate primary to John Fetterman in 2022.
Kristol, who worked in previous Republican administrations and helped found the Weekly Standard magazine, expressed confidence that Democrats would win the House and possibly the Senate in the midterms, while also having “a good chance to win the presidency” in 2028.
Brittany Martinez, executive director of host organization Principles First, attempted to strike an optimistic tone even after describing why she could no longer continue her career as a Republican staffer on Capitol Hill. “I hope that Republicans continue to wake up,” she said. “I do think that those folks exist. And I hope that they exist in greater numbers.”
As the summit concluded, attendees returned to their political exile, their warnings about democratic erosion echoing through a half-empty hall – a stark metaphor for a movement struggling to find its place in an increasingly polarized political landscape.
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10 Comments
While the Never Trumpers’ warnings may seem dire, it’s important to consider their perspective objectively. Regardless of one’s political leanings, the erosion of democratic norms and institutions should concern all citizens who value a healthy, functional government.
I agree that the concerns raised by the Never Trump movement deserve serious consideration, even if their influence appears to be waning. The health of American democracy is crucial, and these voices shouldn’t be dismissed outright, even if their message struggles to gain traction.
While the Never Trump movement may be losing steam, their concerns about the state of American democracy deserve attention. The mining and commodities sectors should closely monitor these political developments, as they could have far-reaching implications for the regulatory environment, trade policies, and infrastructure investments that are critical to their operations.
Agreed. The mining and energy industries would be wise to maintain a nuanced understanding of the political landscape, even as the Never Trumpers face diminishing influence. Careful analysis and adaptability will be key to navigating the evolving policy terrain and mitigating potential risks or disruptions.
The mining and commodities sectors will be closely watching this political dynamic, as changes in the policy landscape can significantly impact their business environment. Regulatory shifts, trade policies, and infrastructure investments are all areas where the Never Trump movement’s vision may differ from the current Republican orthodoxy.
That’s a good observation. The mining and energy industries will certainly want to stay informed on the evolving political landscape and how it might affect their operations and investment decisions. Maintaining a diversified perspective is important in such a volatile climate.
The mining and energy sectors have a vested interest in maintaining a stable and predictable policy environment. The divisiveness and political turmoil highlighted by the Never Trumpers could create uncertainty and disrupt long-term planning in these industries. A balanced approach that considers diverse perspectives may be the best path forward.
That’s a fair point. Businesses in the mining and energy sectors thrive on policy certainty and a reliable regulatory framework. The polarization and ideological rifts within the Republican Party could lead to instability and unpredictability, which would be detrimental to these industries.
It’s concerning to see the declining influence of the Never Trump movement, especially as concerns about democracy’s erosion continue. While their warnings may resonate with some, getting the broader public to listen and act seems increasingly challenging.
You raise a good point. The low turnout at the Principles First summit suggests the Never Trumpers are struggling to maintain relevance. Reviving their message and building broader support will be crucial if they hope to counter Trumpism’s growing sway within the GOP.