With his remarkable victory in the recent US presidential election, political analysts and commentators are intensely dissecting Donald Trump’s politics, policies, and leadership style. What often escapes these analyses, however, is how Trump — against all odds — managed to bridge racial and religious divides, attracting support from traditionally sceptical groups, including Latinos, Arabs, Muslim men, and young voters.
In the United States, the Republican Party is often seen as representing a primarily White, religious base across the heartland, while the so-called “Godless,” woke, and ultra-liberal East and West Coasts serve as the Democratic Party’s “blue wall.” Trump, in particular, has often been cast as a divisive figure symbolising White Americans’ fears of marginalisation in an increasingly diverse, progressive America. Because of this perceived racial division, the Democratic Party has traditionally drawn strong support from African Americans, women, Muslims, Asians, and Latinos. Yet, in this recent election, some of these groups defied the typical voting patterns and backed Trump. This unexpected shift demands closer scrutiny, particularly given how Trump — an ostensibly non-religious businessman hailing from New York — has managed to reshape a pre-dominantly rural Republican Party into a movement where loyalty to him eclipses traditional conservative values, often leaving dissenters sidelined or humiliated.
Trump’s rise has indeed become a watershed moment for the Republican Party, marking an ideological transformation that has altered not only the party’s identity but also the landscape of American politics. Traditionally, the GOP championed core conservative principles such as limited government, fiscal responsibility, and a robust national defence. Trump’s ascent, however, has given rise to “Trumpism” — a populist, nationalist, and at times authoritarian approach that diverges from these conservative values. This shift has redefined the party, realigning its ideology and leadership in ways few political scientists could have predicted.
Trump’s influence over the GOP has deepened through his control of primary races, the party’s alignment with his rhetoric, and the loyalty he commands among a significant portion of the base
Since Trump entered the national political scene, he has systematically sidelined party members who refuse to conform to his ideas, even those deeply rooted in conservative ideology. Previously prominent figures in the GOP now find themselves either aligning with Trump’s agenda or facing political marginalisation. A striking example of this shift is the experience of Congressman Bob Good from Virginia. A staunch conservative and former chair of the influential Republican Freedom Caucus, Good initially believed that Trump’s legal troubles would prevent him from securing the Republican nomination and decided to back Trump’s primary rival, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. In response, Trump actively promoted a primary challenger against Good, leading to his defeat. This episode underscores a new reality within the GOP: opposing Trump — even from a conservative standpoint — often results in political isolation.
This dynamic has forced many GOP stalwarts into a difficult choice: adapt to Trump’s vision or risk losing their place within the party. Republicans who attempt to uphold traditional conservative values frequently find themselves replaced or politically marginalised. Trump’s influence over the GOP has deepened through his control of primary races, the party’s alignment with his rhetoric, and the loyalty he commands among a significant portion of the base. The era of Trumpism represents an unprecedented shift, with a Trump-aligned GOP emerging as a force that no longer adheres strictly to traditional American conservatism. Whether this realignment bodes well for the future of American democracy is a question many, including members of Trump’s own party, approach with caution and concern.
Looking forward, with Trump returning to the White House and the GOP gaining control of the Senate and poised to potentially retain or regain control of Congress, his influence may shape the nation’s political landscape for years. For many Americans, including a considerable number of Republicans, this prospect is troubling. Critics contend that Trump’s prioritisation of loyalty over ideology, coupled with his aggressive approach, threatens democratic norms, intensifies polarisation, and weakens essential checks and balances. On the other hand, Trump supporters argue that this transformation was inevitable, as both parties had become overly ideological, focusing on issues irrelevant to the everyday challenges that Americans face — such as the economy, immigration, housing, and crime. To these supporters, the country needs a strong, resolute leader like Trump, someone who remains undaunted in the face of adversity.