Republicans who have distanced themselves from Trump face a bleak political future. Whether they maintain ties to the GOP or shift toward the Democratic Party, their prospects are dim. Although often presented as a unified group, these individuals differ significantly, with their shared trait being opposition to Donald Trump. Their paths diverge from there.
Some continue to back down-ballot Republicans while opposing Trump. Others, while still identifying as conservative, have openly supported Democrats in broader contexts. And then there are those who’ve entirely abandoned the GOP and their previous conservative stances.
Let’s look at a few key figures.
Liz Cheney, the former Wyoming Congresswoman, is perhaps the most notable. She was once a steadfast conservative but became a target after voting to impeach Trump. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s decision to remove her from leadership, in hindsight, was a mistake. If she had remained in power, she likely wouldn’t have joined the January 6 Committee or been as vocal in her dissent. Now, she’s lost her congressional seat and is often utilized by Democrats to further their narratives. Once they no longer need her, her political career will likely be over. However, she might find a spot in the media, as many have before her.
Her father, former Vice President Dick Cheney, endorsed Kamala Harris, but his endorsement is mostly inconsequential. He’s been politically irrelevant for some time and didn’t even make the endorsement personally – it was announced by Liz.
Former Vice President Mike Pence has distanced himself from Trump as well, stating he won’t support him, but he’s not rallying behind Harris either. While Pence remains in the GOP, few Republicans seem to be seeking his endorsement, signaling his fading influence.
Adam Kinzinger, another former congressman, is now actively supporting and fundraising for Democrats, having lost his seat. He’s already secured a role as a paid contributor for left-leaning media, much like others before him.
Then there’s Michael Steele, the former RNC chairman. While he occasionally refers to himself as a Republican, his shift to the Democratic Party is evident. His motivation? Likely financial, as he now enjoys a lucrative media career on MSNBC. His future largely hinges on ratings.
Attorney George Conway never had much of a political career and probably won’t have one going forward. His primary claim to fame is his marriage to Kellyanne Conway, Trump’s 2016 campaign chair. His opposition to Trump became more pronounced after being passed over for a role in Trump’s administration, and his bitterness is evident in his media appearances. His future, too, is fading.
Bill Kristol, once a leading conservative figure, has almost disappeared from the spotlight. After shifting his views, he now edits The Bulwark, a publication that once leaned conservative but now caters to anti-Trumpers. Kristol’s relevance has diminished, and he’s no longer a frequent guest on major networks.
Many former Republicans now align themselves with the Democratic Party, taking up roles in the media. Some familiar names include MSNBC hosts Nicole Wallace and Joe Scarborough, who, like Steele, have carved out their niche in left-leaning media.
This trend continues with figures like former Congressman David Jolly, Joe Walsh, Susan Del Percio, Ana Navarro, Olivia Troye, and others who are now prominent voices against Trump. While some still claim to be conservative or Republican, their actions and affiliations tell a different story.
A group of over 200 aides to John McCain, George W. Bush, and Mitt Romney has even endorsed President Biden and later Harris, marking an unprecedented shift in allegiance.
The relevance of these anti-Trump Republicans hinges on Trump’s continued presence in politics. Once he’s out of the picture, many of these figures will lose their usefulness. For now, they’re often hyped as significant voices, but their impact on the electorate seems limited.
So, the question remains: what’s next for these political outcasts? Most likely, they’ll fade into the background, joining the ranks of political has-beens.
And there you have it.
