Bold statement on Sunday, former New Jersey Republican Governor Christine Todd Whitman expressed deep concerns over the transformation of the modern GOP, asserting that it has devolved into “a cult around Donald Trump.” Despite legal challenges, Trump maintains a strong lead in the 2024 Republican presidential nomination race.
Former New Jersey Republican Governor Christine Todd Whitman spoke out on Sunday, declaring that she no longer recognizes the modern GOP, emphasizing its shift into what she perceives as “a cult around Donald Trump.” This statement comes amid a turbulent period for the former president, who faces a staggering 91 felony charges across four criminal cases.
Trump’s legal battles have not deterred his loyal supporters, who echo his claims of a political “witch hunt,” as reported by Newsweek on Sunday, December 3.
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Whitman’s views were echoed in a recent Washington Post op-ed by Robert Kagan, where he warned that criticizing Trump within the Republican ranks would become increasingly challenging, approaching impossibility once he secures the nomination.
During an interview on MSNBC’s The Sunday Show with Jonathan Capehart, Whitman concurred with Kagan’s warning, stating, “Yes, it does, absolutely. We know Trump supporters—first of all, let me just say, I don’t think there is a Republican Party, there is a cult around Donald Trump.”
Whitman emphasized a pivotal moment in recent GOP history, noting that the party refrained from adopting a platform in 2020, signaling a departure from traditional party practices. According to her, the absence of a clear platform indicates that the GOP’s principles are contingent on Trump’s directives rather than a set ideological framework.
In a stark warning, Whitman urged vigilance, cautioning against dismissing Trump’s promises lightly. She asserted, “Believe what he says. He says what he’s going to do. Believe him. He will tear down the very guardrails of our democracy—the rule of law, the respect for the Constitution. He said he’s going to do it. And no one should question that. He means what he says.”
Amidst the evolving GOP landscape, former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, positioning herself as a 2024 Trump rival, secured a major endorsement from Americans for Prosperity, a conservative political policy network founded by the influential Koch brothers.
However, the allegiance to Trump remains unwavering for many Republicans. Senator Lindsey Graham, a staunch Trump ally, emphasized the unique nature of the “Trump party,” stating, “The Trump party is very much focused on President Trump’s personality, and he stands up to people they hate. And I don’t think any ad is gonna change that. I don’t think—there ain’t enough money in the world to convince the loyal Trump person to change.”
