Donald Trump has left the Republican Party completely unrecognizable from Reagen’s GOP. The defeat of the Immigration-Ukraine-Israel Package in the Senate signals the complete loss of the old-guard Republican Party in favor of the Trump Party. This bill is deemed bipartisan, but in reality, Republicans barely had to compromise;and yet, Republican after Republican voted against it. In response to this frankly shocking and historic moment, The Wall Street Journal editorial board said, “By any honest reckoning, this is the most restrictive migrant legislation in decades. This is almost entirely a border security bill, and its provisions include longtime G.O.P. priorities that the party’s restrictionists could never have passed only a few months ago.”
So why didn’t the GOP vote for the package?
Well, shortly before the Senate voted on this bill Donald Trump said, “Don’t be STUPID!!! We need a separate Border and Immigration Bill. It should not be tied to foreign aid in any way, shape, or form,” demonstrating the growing threat of isolationism among Republicans. Furthermore, ahead of the November Presidential Election, Donald Trump wants to do everything he can to prevent what could be viewed as a major accomplishment for Biden. The passing of the bill could be pivotal to Biden’s success in the upcoming election.
Trumpism has become ingrained in the minds of many Republicans as they have abandoned everything they once believed to be best for America. Now, their top priority is what is best for Trump. This mindset has led to the polarization of the Republican Party and the weakening of our democratic system.
Trump’s takeover of the Republican Party has led to inconsistent behavior among some Republicans, characterized by their desire to reduce America’s influence abroad whilst continuing to be steadfast patriots and believing that the US is the best country in the world. Republicans often lament the US economy, yet we are currently experiencing one of the strongest economic growth rates. Republicans reduce America’s role in the world as an excuse to stay out of global affairs and push their isolationist viewpoint.
Now you may ask, how does Trump have such a significant impact on both Americans and politicians?
Once known for his volatile and impassioned speeches, Trump has recently adopted a new speaking style that has become essential to remaining the uncontested Republican nominee. In many of his rallies, we can hear calm music flowing through the speakers while Trump speaks in a melancholy tone. We can see Trumpers with open palms while murmuring. This scene starkly resembles one often found at a Church. Trump is presenting himself as a religious leader and successfully using it not only to gain voters but also cult members. His supporters frequently compare him to Biblical figures such as David, a hero picked by God from the Old Testament. Marie Zere, a commercial real estate broker from Long Island said, ‘“He’s definitely been chosen by God. He’s still surviving even though all these people are coming after him, and I don’t know how else to explain that other than divine intervention.”
Not only has Trump gained religious supporters from average American civilians but also from politicians. For example, in 2023, Marjorie Taylor Green, a Republican Representative from Georgia, compared his prosecution and arrest to Jesus’s arrest by the Roman government.
As seen by polling results, Trump’s new tactic is clearly working. 48% Percent of Republican voters are enthusiastic about Trump whilst only 23% of Democrats are enthusiastic about Biden. I can only hope these polls are not foreshadowing the November election results.
