Despite setbacks, Donald Trump retains control of the Republican Party

He lost the 2020 presidential election and his role in the storming of the Capitol on January 6, 2021 is under investigation. But nothing helps: Donald Trump continues to dominate the Republican Party, where almost no one is overshadowing him.

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The former US president, 75, will speak on Saturday in Orlando, Florida, before the annual meeting of US governors CPAC. An opportunity to confirm his popularity among his supporters.

While waiting for his arrival, his presence was felt everywhere in the hotel hosting the conference: as in the red speeches crossed out with “Make America Great Again” (Make America Great, her campaign slogan) as in speeches, like that of Republican Senator Ted Cruz, who has imposed limits on sarcasm and attacks against characters hated by conservatives.

“Trump is so popular that no matter what stance he takes, most Republicans think we should do the same as him, or at least not be too critical” of his stance, explains Aubrey Jewett, a professor of political science at Central University. Florida.

Because if they did, she adds, the person whose retaliation is so colossal and feared would ‘revenge politically’.

Like it or not, Republicans will have to come to terms with him in this crucial year of midterm elections, with the political risks involved in some of his statements.

Last month, for example, Mr. Trump said he could pardon those involved in the January 6 attack if he is re-elected in 2024. Only a few Republicans have publicly opposed that possibility, such as New Hampshire Governor Chris Sunono.

The former president also remains poised for the idea that the 2020 presidential election was stolen from him, repeating without evidence that it was marred by widespread fraud. However, half of Republican voters want to move forward on the matter, according to a poll conducted by political media.

“I think a lot of Republican leaders … would rather leave that behind. They don’t see this as the future of the party. They prefer not to talk about potentially controversial issues among voters,” Aubrey Jewett says.

Susan McManus, professor emeritus at the University of South Florida, said Donald Trump “remains someone to be called upon, especially in more conservative areas.”

But we are increasingly seeing that some elements of language or dialect do not work well with female voters. And they are often hesitant voters,” she confirms.

Trump’s influence is such that few voices have emerged to compete with him for leadership of the party.

It looks like Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is the only one who can get close. Thursday, in his speech at the CPAC, Mr. DeSantis was able to verify that he has strong support among conservatives.

Applause and applause At the end of his speech, his criticism of Democratic President Joe Biden and the restrictions of the federal government against which the governor presents himself as a defender of individual liberties were welcomed.

Some of his decisions in Florida, such as his refusal to mandate the wearing of masks against COVID-19 in schools, have made him one of the favorites of media outlets such as Fox News.

And although Mr. DeSantis denies thinking about the White House, his popularity could change his mind.

According to a poll published by the University of North Florida this week and conducted among the state’s Republicans, the governor is almost tied to Donald Trump as the front-runner in the presidential election.

“As a conservative, DeSantis has a very good understanding of the economic issues affecting local authorities and local businesses. He is able to talk about the economy in a way that makes more sense to people. M. notes.^me McManus.

A sign of Mr. DeSantis’ growing influence, the The New York Times She mentioned tensions between him and Mr Trump, with the governor refusing to say publicly that he would not run in 2024 if the former president entered the race.

However, Donald Trump, who has contributed significantly to the rise of Mr. DeSantis’ career, demands unwavering loyalty from his supporters.