Key Takeaways:
- Former Washington State Republican Party chair Chris Vance says Trump doesn’t stand for true conservative values.
- Vance and others formed a group called Our Republican Legacy to push back against Trump’s influence.
- They argue that Trump’s policies, like cutting revenues and imposing tariffs, go against conservative principles.
- Many Republicans still believe Trump represents conservatism, despite criticism.
Trump’s Policies Under Fire
Former Republican leaders are speaking out against Donald Trump, saying he doesn’t represent true conservative values. Chris Vance, a former chair of the Washington State Republican Party, made these comments during an MSNBC discussion. Vance agrees with Michael Steele, another prominent Republican, who also criticizes Trump’s influence on the party.
What’s Wrong with Trump’s Approach?
Vance points out that Trump’s policies don’t align with traditional conservatism. For example, he argues that cutting revenues while the country already has a massive deficit is not conservative. He also criticizes Trump for imposing tariffs and for abandoning U.S. allies in favor of Russia. Vance says these actions are far from what conservatism stands for.
The Movement to Reclaim Conservatism
Vance and Steele are part of a group called Our Republican Legacy, formed to challenge Trump’s influence and bring the GOP back to its roots. This group believes in traditional conservative principles, like fiscal responsibility and strong international alliances. They aim to show that Trump’s policies don’t reflect these values.
Why Some Republicans Still Support Trump
Despite these criticisms, many Republicans still believe Trump represents their values. Vance says this is because they want to think Trump is something he’s not. He argues that the GOP is fooled into thinking Trump’s actions align with conservatism, when they don’t.
The Bottom Line
Prominent Republicans like Chris Vance and Michael Steele are pushing back against Trump’s influence. They believe the party needs to return to its core principles and move away from policies they see as harmful. This debate highlights a growing divide within the Republican Party over what conservatism truly means.
Watch the full discussion to learn more about their concerns and efforts to reclaim the party.