CNN: Even as most of the GOP faithful remains squarely behind the president or unwilling to publicly step out of line, the list of those confident enough to defy Trump over policy and politics is growing. It’s a new moment for Trump, who has kept a tight hold over his party for most of the last decade.”
“The stresses and strains of the upcoming midterm election year may show whether the fractures in Trump’s base are truly deepening. That, of course, is far from certain. Yet this group of eight Republicans is notable for how they’ve gone against the grain to openly challenge Trump.”
Julia Azari: “There’s already evidence that Republicans are looking toward the prospect of a post-Trump GOP after 2028. The president is mortal and, more importantly, term-limited. As the first year of his second term comes to a close, it seems worthwhile to look at some potential weaknesses in his hold over the Republican Party.”
