Anti-Trump Republicans Face Divisions and an Uncertain Future

Some of President Trump’s most vocal Republican critics gathered at the Principles First summit near Washington and left with a clear sense of division about the party’s future and their place in it after being pushed to the margins. Attendees disagreed on what should come after the Trump administration: expand a foothold inside the Democratic Party, wait for Republicans to move on, or pursue another path.

John Giles said, “I’m not sure what I’m fighting for at this point,” and Barbara Comstock argued Republicans should lose “badly” in the midterms so the MAGA movement can “burn itself out.” The lineup was eclectic. Chris Christie said he was open to supporting a Democrat in 2028 and described Rahm Emanuel as “incredibly smart,” “tough” and a “reasonable guy,” while Pat McCrory said he was “not ready to go there.” Centrist Democrats, including Conor Lamb, also attended.

Some critics have left the party: Joe Walsh became a Democrat, George T.

United States, Washington, D.C.

trump, republicans, principles first, midterms, maga, chris christie, barbara comstock, conor lamb, joe walsh, democrats