The Never-Trump Coalition’s Fragile Existence

The unlikely alliance of disaffected Republicans and conservatives who opposed Trump is facing a reckoning. For years, this group – colloquially known as “never-Trumpers” – has been a thorn in the side of traditional Republican politics, refusing to fall in line with their party’s nominee despite his many transgressions.

This coalition’s eclecticism is striking. Moderate Republicans like Jeff Flake and Liz Cheney rub shoulders with neoconservative stalwarts like Bill Kristol, who has recently found himself taking positions to the left of Democratic Party leaders. As David Frum noted five years ago, never-Trump is “not a political party. It is a dinner party.” And now, it’s becoming increasingly clear that this coalition will not survive in its current form.

The reasons for this are complex and multifaceted. For some, like Kristol, the never-Trump impulse has been driven by a desire to resist Trump’s more egregious policies – such as his war with Iran, which has created tensions within the group. Others have been motivated by a sense of moral outrage at Trump’s character, particularly following the release of the Access Hollywood video.

One pressing question facing never-Trumpers is what happens when resisting Trump is no longer a unifying force. Will these audiences stick around, potentially becoming more receptive to conservative ideas as they move forward? Or will they drift away, searching for new causes and affiliations that can provide a sense of purpose and belonging?

The establishment of publications like The Bulwark and The Contrarian suggests that some may stick around, at least in the short term. These outlets cater to a spectrum of readers from moderate Republicans to mainstream Democrats. However, those who currently thrill at seeing former conservatives skewering Trump will likely face challenges. Without a clear sense of direction or purpose, they risk becoming adrift.

The fate of the never-Trump coalition serves as a proxy for the larger question of what comes next in American politics. Will we see a renewed focus on democratic norms and values? Or will the fragmentation of this group signal a deeper crisis of civic health? The answer to these questions remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the never-Trump coalition’s fragile existence is a reminder that even in the face of unprecedented challenge and upheaval, American politics remains capable of reinvention and renewal.