Congressional Republicans Becoming More Like Trump

Representative Liz Cheney’s crushing defeat in her congressional primary served as another brutal reminder of what happens to Republicans who become defined by their opposition to Donald Trump. But it also has a tangible effect. Wyoming’s lone House seat will be held by somebody much more loyal to Trump — not only compared with who Cheney is now, but compared with who Cheney was at any point in the Trump presidency.

A similar story has been playing out nationally in Republican primaries, which have featured a string of victories for Trump-endorsed candidates while sending a message to other GOP politicians that if they want to succeed in the party, they have to stay clear of Trump’s crosshairs.

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Philip Klein

Philip Klein is the editor of National Review Online.

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Representative Liz Cheney’s crushing defeat in her congressional primary served as another brutal reminder of what happens to Republicans who become defined by their opposition to Donald Trump. But it also has a tangible effect. Wyoming’s lone House seat will be held by somebody much more loyal to Trump — not only compared with who Cheney is now, but compared with who Cheney was at any point in the Trump presidency.

A similar story has been playing out nationally in Republican primaries, which have featured a string of victories for Trump-endorsed candidates while sending a message to other GOP politicians that if they want to succeed in the party, they have to stay clear of Trump’s crosshairs.