Summary of "How Donald Trump Reshaped The GOP" – The NPR Politics Podcast

Release Date: January 2, 2025
Host: Susan Davis, Don Gonyea, Mara Liasson
Podcast: The NPR Politics Podcast

Introduction

In the episode titled "How Donald Trump Reshaped The GOP," NPR’s political correspondents delve deep into the transformative impact former President Donald Trump has had on the Republican Party. Hosted by Susan Davis, Don Gonyea, and Mara Liasson, the discussion navigates through Trump’s unexpected rise, the ensuing realignment within the GOP, and the potential future trajectory of the party under his continued influence.

Trump's Unexpected Rise and GOP's Unpreparedness

The conversation begins with an acknowledgment of the unforeseen nature of Trump’s ascent within the Republican Party. Susan Davis emphasizes the element of surprise that both the press and the GOP leadership experienced:

Susan Davis (02:21): “The rise of Donald Trump was really something that I think it's fair to say the press didn't see coming. But most importantly, the Republican Party didn't see coming.”

Don Gonyea provides historical context, recalling the Republican Party's introspection post-2012 election loss to Barack Obama. The party had aimed to become more inclusive, targeting broader demographics to regain lost votes. However, Trump's emergence in 2016 deviated sharply from these strategies:

Don Gonyea (03:54): “But he just did it in a way that they couldn't even begin to imagine.”

The Realignment: From Establishment to Populism

Mara Liasson discusses the complexities of political realignments, highlighting that ongoing processes cannot be fully understood until their completion. She reflects on Trump’s populist appeal, noting the multifaceted reasons behind his victory—from his direct communication style to external factors like inflation:

Mara Liasson (04:03): “Donald Trump ran as a populist. He beat two women and he lost to one man... we don't know how much of it is unique to him and how much of it is unique to the party.”

Susan Davis adds that Trump effectively captured the sentiments of the white working class, a demographic the GOP had previously underestimated:

Susan Davis (05:01): “Donald Trump, and this is one of the many ironies of him, this wealthy New York Wall Street candidate, really captured the hearts and minds of a lot of working-class people in this country.”

Don Gonyea elaborates on how Trump mirrored the GOP’s desired shift towards appealing to working-class voters but did so in a manner that exceeded their expectations:

Don Gonyea (05:30): “He also found a way to speak their language. And I was talking to a lot of auto workers during the 2016 campaign... they talked about Donald Trump as though he was one of them.”

The Decline of Traditional GOP Leadership

The hosts discuss how Trump’s dominance within the party has marginalized traditional Republican leaders. Susan Davis observes the near disappearance of figures like Paul Ryan and Mitch McConnell from the central narrative of the GOP:

Susan Davis (07:18): “It’s hard to see a path in 2020 for America, for Chris Christie or Jeb Bush. ... Donald Trump tipped the cart over.”

Don Gonyea notes the disappearance of potential GOP contenders whose presidential aspirations were overshadowed by Trump’s rise:

Don Gonyea (09:11): “Trump, in a way, single-handedly ended the political careers of so many other Republicans who wanted to be president.”

Challenges and Contradictions Within the New GOP

Mara Liasson points out the inherent contradictions in the transformed Republican Party, juxtaposing its appeal to a multi-ethnic working class with policies that favor billionaires and corporations:

Mara Liasson (17:03): “How can you be a multi-ethnic working class party that gives tax breaks to billionaires and every time you have a choice between billionaires or corporations over workers, you choose the corporations.”

Susan Davis reflects on the long-term implications of this shift, suggesting that future generations may perceive the GOP as emerging from Trump’s legacy rather than traditional Republican foundations:

Susan Davis (16:43): “I think of my whole life, for most of my life, we always viewed the Republic [Republican] Party in the shadow of Ronald Reagan. And I have to think that like my kids will grow up seeing a Republican Party that rises out of the shadow of Donald Trump.”

Norms, Executive Power, and the Second Trump Term

A significant portion of the discussion centers on the erosion of traditional presidential norms under Trump’s leadership. Susan Davis highlights how Trump’s actions have redefined presidential behavior, with voters appearing more accepting of such deviations:

Susan Davis (11:31): “Trump had so much baggage in the reelection campaign... this was not unknown to the country, and they reelected him. And I think that there's a lesson for a lot of people... the country might not care as much as we think that they do.”

Mara Liasson differentiates between personal behavior norms and the foundational norms of democratic institutions, expressing concern over the latter’s weakening:

Mara Liasson (12:18): “The norms about personal behavior and then the norms about accepting democratic institutions and checks and balances... We're now going to find out how that system that our founders created holds up against a president like Trump.”

Don Gonyea underscores the implications of recent Supreme Court decisions that bolster executive power, citing a notable quote reminiscent of Nixon’s famous line:

Don Gonyea (15:04): “If the president does it, it's not illegal. Well, now, we may be in a place where that is much closer to reality of this Supreme Court ruling.”

Trump's Potential Second Term and Republican Strategy

Looking ahead to Trump’s potential second term, the hosts speculate on his administration’s ambitions and the GOP’s strategic moves. Susan Davis suggests that the GOP might seek to enact significant changes swiftly, leveraging Trump’s authoritative style:

Susan Davis (16:03): “They want to blow the walls out in the first year of the second term. ... they want to go big.”

Mara Liasson notes that even with potential congressional losses, Trump could utilize executive actions to advance his agenda:

Mara Liasson (16:33): “Sure. I think Trump is very focused on executive action.”

Implications for the Republican Party's Future

As the discussion draws to a close, there is contemplation on the lasting impact of Trump’s influence on the GOP. Susan Davis muses on the permanent shift away from the Reagan-era Republican identity, envisioning a party distinctly shaped by Trump’s legacy:

Susan Davis (17:33): “I have to think that like my kids will grow up seeing a Republican Party that rises out of the shadow of Donald Trump.”

Mara Liasson emphasizes the lasting changes, questioning the GOP’s ability to reconcile its new identity with traditional conservative values and pointing out the party's internal contradictions:

Mara Liasson (17:09): “The party is changing for sure and changing probably, probably permanently to a more isolationist, anti-immigrant party... that gives tax breaks to billionaires.”

Don Gonyea adds that the GOP's future direction will likely continue to be dominated by Trump’s unique influence, making it difficult for alternative leadership to emerge:

Don Gonyea (19:12): “Whatever they come up with, I suspect they won't call it an autopsy.”

Conclusion

The episode concludes with a recognition of the profound and perhaps irreversible changes Donald Trump has instituted within the Republican Party. As the GOP navigates this transformed landscape, the correspondents acknowledge the uncertainty surrounding its future direction and the enduring legacy of Trump’s reshaping efforts.

Notable Quotes

• Susan Davis (02:21): “The rise of Donald Trump was really something that I think it's fair to say the press didn't see coming. But most importantly, the Republican Party didn't see coming.”

• Don Gonyea (03:54): “But he just did it in a way that they couldn't even begin to imagine.”

• Mara Liasson (04:03): “Donald Trump ran as a populist. He beat two women and he lost to one man... we don't know how much of it is unique to him and how much of it is unique to the party.”

• Susan Davis (05:01): “Donald Trump... really captured the hearts and minds of a lot of working-class people in this country.”

• Don Gonyea (15:04): “If the president does it, it's not illegal. Well, now, we may be in a place where that is much closer to reality of this Supreme Court ruling.”

• Susan Davis (17:33): “I have to think that like my kids will grow up seeing a Republican Party that rises out of the shadow of Donald Trump.”

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and conclusions presented in the NPR Politics Podcast episode on how Donald Trump has reshaped the GOP. It highlights the unexpected nature of Trump’s rise, the resulting realignment within the party, the erosion of traditional norms, and the potential future challenges and directions for the Republican Party.