The narrative that Donald Trump’s influence is waning within the Republican Party is a familiar refrain, one that echoes the immediate aftermath of January 6th. According to historian Victor Davis Hanson, this is simply a recycled attempt to diminish his political power, a strategy that demonstrably failed in the past.
Hanson recently articulated this perspective with characteristic clarity, suggesting that Trump isn’t diminished, but actually *strengthened* by the very attempts to dismantle his political career. The initial push to expel him from American politics proved unsuccessful, and the current efforts appear equally futile.
He points to the lack of a serious primary challenge as evidence of Trump’s continued dominance. Potential contenders either withdrew quickly or never posed a substantial threat, highlighting his firm grip on the party’s base.
The intensity of the opposition, Hanson argues, has inadvertently bolstered Trump’s position. Attempts to discredit him through legal challenges – including numerous indictments and a significant number of charges – have seemingly had the opposite effect, fueling his support.
Looking ahead, Hanson anticipates a favorable economic climate next year, attributing it to potential policies focused on energy development, tax reductions, and deregulation. He believes this economic upswing will further solidify Trump’s standing and expose the desperation of his opponents.
That desperation, Hanson contends, is manifesting in increasingly extreme tactics, even bordering on calls for insubordination within the military. Despite these efforts, there’s no discernible defection from Trump’s base, reinforcing the idea that he is more powerful now than ever before.
The repeated failure of these strategies underscores a critical point: each attempt to undermine Trump appears to inadvertently reinforce his position, leaving his opposition increasingly frustrated and grasping for solutions.
Ultimately, Hanson’s assessment paints a picture of a resilient political force, one that has not only survived a barrage of attacks but has emerged stronger and more entrenched within the Republican Party.
